Indian Navy personnel during the bilateral India-Sri Lanka diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo. Photo: PIB India
India and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership by conducting the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, in Colombo from April 21 to 28.The Indian Navy informed that it deployed its Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak while the Sri Lankan Navy fielded its diving teams, jointly enhancing operational coordination and professional synergy.Focused on complex underwater operations, the exercise was aimed at strengthening interoperability through advanced deep-sea diving evolutions, including mixed gas diving drills. Divers from both navies carried out extensive harbour and open-sea dives, demonstrating high levels of technical proficiency and operational expertise.A key highlight of the exercise was the conduct of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World War-era wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus. Marking a significant milestone, the divers successfully executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres, boosting joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue and salvage operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), it added.During the exercise, Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area of the Sri Lanka Navy, visited INS Nireekshak and commended the Indian Navy’s continued support in enhancing the training of Sri Lankan divers. He emphasised the importance of sustained exchange of best practices and professional expertise.In a solemn gesture, the Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Colombo, laying a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the IPKF operations in Sri Lanka.Further, extending humanitarian cooperation, two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes (portable hospital units) were handed over under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative, enhancing disaster response and medical preparedness.The exercise concluded with a ceremonial send-off for INS Nireekshak, symbolising the strong camaraderie and enduring maritime partnership between the two navies.IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 stands as a testament to sustained bilateral collaboration, aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), and a shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the IOR. Published - April 29, 2026 08:56 pm IST
