**Executive Summary**
The fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, was conducted in Colombo from April 21–28, 2026, to strengthen maritime cooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies. Utilizing the Indian Navy’s INS Nireekshak, the engagement focused on complex underwater operations, interoperability, and professional synergy. The exercise concluded with a ceremonial send-off, marking a milestone in deep-sea diving capabilities and regional security collaboration.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Operational Drills and Technical Milestones**
* Executed advanced deep-sea diving evolutions, including mixed gas diving drills in both harbour and open-sea environments.
* Achieved a significant milestone by conducting successful deep-sea dives exceeding depths of 55 metres.
* Conducted specialised mixed gas dives off Colombo over World War-era wrecks, specifically the SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
* Focused on enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations.
* **Humanitarian and Commemorative Initiatives**
* Handed over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative to improve disaster response and medical preparedness.
* Paid homage to fallen soldiers at the IPKF Memorial with a wreath-laying ceremony led by the Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak.
* **Strategic Alignment and Camaraderie**
* Aligned the exercise with the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
* Fostered professional bonds through a beach clean-up drive at Galle Face, joint yoga sessions, and friendly sports fixtures.
* Facilitated high-level professional exchange, with Rear Admiral SJ Kumara commending India’s support in training Sri Lankan divers.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy**
**Impact**
Demonstrated high levels of technical proficiency and operational expertise in deep-sea diving. The exercise reinforced the Indian Navy's role as a key regional partner in advancing diving training and maritime security.
**Action Required**
Continue providing training support and exchanging best practices with the Sri Lankan Navy to sustain professional synergy.
**Sri Lankan Navy**
**Impact**
Benefited from advanced training in complex underwater operations and search and rescue. The navy's disaster response capabilities were bolstered through the acquisition of BHISM medical cubes.
**Action Required**
Integrate the training received into local operations and maintain the donated medical equipment for future disaster response needs.
**Indian Ocean Region Stakeholders**
**Impact**
Regional security and stability are enhanced through improved coordination between two major navies, fulfilling the objectives of the MAHASAGAR vision.
**Action Required**
Maintain the shared commitment to collective security and holistic growth as outlined in the bilateral framework.
Key Entities Referenced
IN–SLN DIVEX 2026: The fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy, aimed at enhancing underwater operational coordination and interoperability.
MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions): The strategic maritime vision for security and growth in the Indian Ocean Region that guides the bilateral collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.
Aarogya Maitri: An Indian humanitarian initiative under which medical aid and disaster response equipment are provided to partner nations.
INS Nireekshak: The Indian Navy’s specialized Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel that served as the primary operational platform for the bilateral diving exercise.
BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri): A medical initiative providing compact health cubes for enhanced disaster response and medical preparedness, handed over during the exercise.
Ministry of Defence
INDIA AND SRI LANKA DEEPEN MARITIME
COOPERATION THROUGH IN–SLN DIVEX 2026
Posted On: 29 APR 2026 6:59PM by PIB Delhi
India and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership through the fourth edition of the
bilateral diving exercise, IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, conducted at Colombo from 21–28 Apr 2026. The
exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS
Nireekshak, alongside diving teams from both navies-underscoring enhanced operational coordination
and professional synergy.
A specialised engagement focusing on complex underwater operations, IN–SLN DIVEX aims to
strengthen interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy. The exercise featured
advanced deep-sea diving evolutions, including mixed gas diving drills. Divers from both navies
undertook extensive harbour and open-sea dives, demonstrating high levels of technical proficiency and
operational expertise. A key highlight was the conduct of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World
War-era wrecks - SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
Marking a significant milestone, divers from both navies successfully executed deep-sea dives beyond 55
metres- enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations, while
reinforcing coordination in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the exercise, Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area, visited
INS Nireekshak and commended the Indian Navy’s continued support in advancing the training of Sri
Lankan divers. He highlighted the importance of sustained exchange of best practices and professional
expertise.
Beyond operational engagements, the exercise fostered camaraderie through a series of joint activities,
including a beach clean-up drive at Galle Face, friendly sports fixtures, and yoga sessions - strengthening
bonds of friendship and mutual trust.
The Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak paid homage at the IPKF Memorial, laying a wreath in
honour of Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Indian Peace Keeping Force
operations in Sri Lanka.
Further extending humanitarian cooperation, two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and
Maitri) cubes were handed over under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative, enhancing disaster response and
medical preparedness.
On completion of the exercise, INS Nireekshak was accorded a ceremonial send-off - 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
vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across
Regions), and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.****
VM/SKY
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