India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership through the successful conduct of the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, held in Colombo from April 21 to 28.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the week-long exercise saw participation from the Indian Navy, including its Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak, alongside diving teams from the Sri Lanka Navy. The engagement focused on enhancing operational coordination and strengthening professional synergy between the two navies.
Designed to improve interoperability in complex underwater operations, the exercise featured advanced deep-sea diving drills, including specialised mixed gas diving. Divers from both sides carried out extensive harbour and open-sea dives, showcasing high levels of technical expertise and operational readiness.
A key highlight of the exercise was the successful execution of deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres, significantly boosting joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations. The teams also conducted mixed gas dives over World War-era shipwrecks, including SS Worcester and SS Perseus, off the coast of Colombo.
Senior Sri Lankan naval officer SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area, visited INS Nireekshak during the exercise and praised India’s continued support in enhancing the training of Sri Lankan divers. He emphasised the importance of sustained exchange of expertise and best practices between the two forces.
Beyond operational drills, the exercise also focused on building camaraderie through joint activities such as a beach clean-up drive at Galle Face, friendly sports events, and yoga sessions, reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation.
In a gesture of remembrance, the Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak paid tribute at the IPKF Memorial, honouring Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka.
Further strengthening humanitarian cooperation, India handed over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes under the Aarogya Maitri initiative to enhance disaster response and medical preparedness in Sri Lanka.
The exercise concluded with a ceremonial send-off for INS Nireekshak, symbolising the enduring maritime partnership between the two nations.
IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 underscores the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region, aligned with India’s broader MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for regional cooperation.
