INS Nireekshak In Colombo: How India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise DIVEX 2026 Is Boosting Maritime Cooperation

India and Sri Lanka have stepped up their maritime engagement with the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, which is currently underway in Colombo, bringing a sharp focus on underwater capabilities, interoperability and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

At the centre of this engagement is INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy’s specialised diving support vessel, whose arrival in Sri Lanka marks a key operational and diplomatic milestone in the ongoing exercise scheduled from April 21 to April 27, 2026. The India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX) is a specialised bilateral naval engagement aimed at enhancing coordination in complex underwater operations.

IN-SLN DIVEX 2026: What makes it so important?

According to the Ministry of Defence, the week-long exercise brings together diving teams from the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy to undertake a series of specialised underwater operations and training drills. The objective is clear: enhance interoperability between the two navies, strengthen operational coordination, and facilitate exchange of best practices in diving and salvage operations.

Sharing an update on the same, the Indian Navy said the exercise is “reinforcing strong maritime cooperation and professional camaraderie,” with mixed-gas dives off Colombo highlighting precision, skill, and seamless interoperability beneath the waves.

What role is INS Nireekshak playing in the exercise?

INS Nireekshak’s participation is central to the exercise. The vessel, designed for deep-sea diving and rescue operations, is supporting joint drills that test both navies’ ability to operate in challenging underwater environments. Upon arrival in Colombo on April 21, the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lankan Navy, complete with a naval band reception.

Commanding Officer Commander Sailesh Tyagi also held discussions with Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, focusing on issues of mutual interest and avenues for deeper cooperation.

What activities are being conducted during the exercise?

Beyond core operational drills, the exercise includes a mix of technical and people-centric engagements, reflecting the broader scope of naval diplomacy. Indian Navy on Thursday (April 23, 2026) posted pictures of Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy troops engaging in a spirited volleyball match after the dive.

Other key activities as part of the bilateral drills include specialised diving and salvage operations, mixed-gas diving exercises, joint training drills underwater, sports fixtures and social interactions, and joint yoga sessions to build camaraderie.

“The week-long engagement reinforces the continued commitment towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan maritime ties and shared maritime interests,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

How is India combining defence cooperation with humanitarian outreach?

A notable aspect of INS Nireekshak’s visit is its humanitarian component, underscoring India’s broader regional outreach. As part of the Aarogya Maitri initiative, India will hand over 2 BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes. These state-of-the-art portable medical units are capable of handling up to 200 emergency cases and are equipped with essential medicines and basic surgical capabilities.

In addition to this, India will also provide 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy.

What does this exercise signal for India-Sri Lanka maritime ties?

The ongoing exercise highlights the deep-rooted maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka, especially in the strategically critical Indian Ocean Region. It aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which focuses on regional security, cooperative maritime frameworks.

The Indian Navy has consistently expanded its engagement with partner nations through bilateral and multilateral exercises, port calls and operational deployments, along with training exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.

Exercises like IN-SLN DIVEX are part of a wider effort to strengthen naval diplomacy, and promote stability in the Indian Ocean Region while also boosting interoperability with friendly foreign navies. “The IN-SLN Diving Exercise (DIVEX) is a key bilateral engagement that stands as a testament to the deep-rooted maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.”