India–Sri Lanka Deepen Maritime Cooperation with Underwater Exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026

The exercise saw the participation of the Indian Navy’s specialised Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, alongside Sri Lankan Navy diving teams.

India and Sri Lanka have reinforced their expanding maritime partnership with 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 week-long engagement brought together elite diving units from both navies and marked a significant step forward in strengthening operational coordination, interoperability, and regional maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

The exercise saw the participation of the Indian Navy's specialised Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, alongside Sri Lankan Navy diving teams. Designed as a high-end professional engagement, the exercise focused on complex underwater operations, highlighting the growing synergy between the two maritime forces.

IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 featured a series of technically demanding deep-sea diving evolutions, including advanced mixed gas diving drills—an area requiring exceptional training, precision, and physiological endurance. Divers from both navies conducted extensive operations in both harbour and open-sea conditions, showcasing their operational readiness and technical expertise in challenging underwater environments.

A major highlight of the exercise was the successful execution of mixed gas dives over historic World War-era shipwrecks—SS Worcester and SS Perseus—off the coast of Colombo. These dives not only added complexity due to depth and underwater conditions but also demonstrated the ability of both navies to undertake precise underwater missions in heritage and sensitive zones.

In a notable operational milestone, divers from India and Sri Lanka successfully conducted deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres. This achievement significantly enhances joint capabilities in underwater search and rescue (SAR), salvage operations, and submarine support missions. Such capabilities are critical in modern naval operations, particularly in the context of increasing maritime traffic and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Sri Lankan naval leadership underscored the importance of the exercise. Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area, visited INS Nireekshak during the exercise and lauded the Indian Navy's sustained support in advancing Sri Lanka's diving and underwater operational capabilities. He emphasised the value of continuous exchange of best practices, training methodologies, and professional expertise in building a resilient and capable maritime partnership.

Beyond operational drills, the exercise also served as a platform for strengthening interpersonal ties and mutual trust. Personnel from both navies participated in a range of joint activities, including a beach clean-up drive at Galle Face, friendly sports fixtures, and yoga sessions. These engagements fostered camaraderie and reinforced the shared values underpinning bilateral defence cooperation.

The visit also carried a solemn and symbolic dimension. The Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, laying a wreath in honour of Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka. The gesture highlighted the historical depth and emotional resonance of India–Sri Lanka ties.

Extending cooperation beyond defence, India further strengthened its humanitarian engagement by handing over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes under the Aarogya Maitri initiative. These portable medical units are designed to enhance rapid disaster response and medical preparedness, reflecting India's commitment to regional capacity building and humanitarian assistance.

The conclusion of the exercise was marked by a ceremonial send-off for INS Nireekshak, symbolising the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and strategic alignment between the two navies.

IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 stands as a testament to the growing depth of India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation, aligned with India's broader MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. As both nations navigate evolving maritime challenges, such exercises play a crucial role in ensuring peace, stability, and collective security across the Indian Ocean Region.