The South Asian nation's new DSC A20 vessel will be used for underwater missions in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

India has inducted a locally built diving support ship into its naval fleet.

On Tuesday, the Indian Navy commissioned the DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft (DSC) platform, to enhance its diving and underwater capability in coastal waters.

"DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata," the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement. "Purpose-built for a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency."

The vessel is expected to be a key operational asset in the Indian Navy's inventory.

The commissioning of DSC A20 is in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative.

The platform represents "seamless collaboration between the Indian Navy, the indigenous shipbuilding industry, and national research organizations in delivering specialized, technologically advanced vessels," the Defense Ministry added in the statement.

India has set a target of expanding its naval fleet to over 200 warships and submarines by 2035, with the possibility of reaching 230 by 2037.

New Delhi has also encouraged defense firms from friendly countries to partner with Indian arms manufacturers to bolster its 'Make in India' initiative.

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, an anti-submarine shallow-water ship for coastal patrols, in November.

Last week, India and Brazil signed a pact for collaboration on the maintenance of Scorpene submarines and other vessels. 

Currently, 54 vessels are under construction in Indian shipyards. The Indian Navy expects all the vessels to be operational by 2030.