India has strengthened its maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka by handing over two personal watercraft (PWCs) on Sunday (April 26, 2026) at Mirissa.
This will bolster the island nation’s near-shore search and rescue (SAR) capabilities.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka announced via X that the Defence Adviser handed over the PWCs along with safety gear to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) at its Mirissa headquarters. The transfer is aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to respond swiftly to coastal emergencies.
“GoI assistance enhances SL Coast Guard capability in nearshore Search and Rescue (SAR). Defence Adviser handed over two PWCs along with safety gear to the Director of Operations at SLCG Headquarters in Mirissa,” the post read.
The handover follows another significant milestone earlier this week, as the fourth edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX) 2026 commenced in Colombo, marking a further step in deepening the operational partnership between the two navies.
India deployed its specialised diving support and submarine rescue vessel, INS Nireekshak, which arrived in Colombo on April 21 and received a ceremonial welcome from the Sri Lanka Navy.
The week-long exercise, running from April 21 to 27, encompasses advanced underwater drills including mixed-gas diving, coordinated rescue simulations, and technical training modules.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise’s primary objective is to improve interoperability, enhance coordination, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in specialised diving and submarine rescue operations. Beyond operational drills, the engagement includes cultural events, informal interactions, and joint wellness sessions designed to foster camaraderie and mutual trust.
Senior naval officials from both sides, including Commander Sailesh Tyagi and Rear Admiral S J Kumar, held discussions on expanding maritime cooperation, with a particular focus on regional security and safety.
On the humanitarian front, India will provide two BHISM cubes under the Aarogya Maitri initiative, equipped for emergency medical response. The Indian Navy will additionally supply 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy to further strengthen maritime security ties.
The IN-SLN DIVEX exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, which champions regional security and collective growth.