**Executive Summary**
INS Nireekshak, an Indian Navy Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, arrived at Colombo port on April 21, 2026, to participate in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, IN-SLN DIVEX 2026. Scheduled from April 21 to April 27, 2026, the engagement focuses on enhancing interoperability through specialized training and humanitarian assistance. Key actions include the transfer of portable medical units and 50,000 rounds of ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 Exercise**
* Conducting the 4th edition of the bilateral diving exercise over a week-long period (April 21–27, 2026).
* Joint diving teams will undertake specialized operations and training sessions.
* The primary objective is to enhance interoperability, cohesion, and the exchange of best practices between the two navies.
**Humanitarian Outreach and Security Cooperation**
* Presentation of two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes under India's ‘Aarogya Maitri’ initiative.
* These portable medical units are capable of handling 200 emergency cases and are equipped for basic surgical procedures.
* Handover of 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy to strengthen maritime security cooperation.
**Diplomatic and Social Engagements**
* Formal discussions between the Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak and the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, on matters of mutual interest.
* The visit includes social interactions, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions to foster friendship and goodwill.
* The engagement aligns with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy**
**Impact**
Strengthens bilateral maritime ties and provides a platform to demonstrate technical expertise in submarine rescue and diving operations.
**Action Required**
Execute specialized training exercises and complete the formal handover of medical and security assets by April 27, 2026.
**Sri Lankan Navy / Authorities**
**Impact**
Benefits from enhanced operational training and receives critical medical infrastructure and ammunition to support regional security and emergency response.
**Action Required**
Participate in joint diving operations, host social and professional fixtures, and integrate the newly acquired BHISM cubes and ammunition into their inventory.
Key Entities Referenced
IN-SLN DIVEX 2026: A bilateral diving exercise between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy aimed at enhancing interoperability and specialized training.
Aarogya Maitri: A Government of India initiative for humanitarian outreach through which medical assistance is provided to partner nations.
BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri): State-of-the-art portable medical units (cubes) designed for rapid response and handling emergency cases, presented as humanitarian aid.
MAHASAGAR: An Indian strategic vision standing for 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions' within the Indian Ocean Region.
Colombo, Sri Lanka: The central location and port for the deployment of INS Nireekshak and the conduct of the bilateral naval exercise.
Ministry of Defence
INS NIREEKSHAK ARRIVES AT COLOMBO, SRI
LANKA TO PARTICIPATE IN IN-SLN DIVEX 2026
Posted On: 22 APR 2026 12:38PM by PIB Delhi
INS Nireekshak, the Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of Indian Navy, arrived at the port of
Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 21 Apr 2026 to participate in the 4th edition of IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, a
bilateral diving exercise scheduled from 21-27 Apr 2026.
The joint exercise will see diving teams from both the Navies undertake a series of specialised diving
operations and training aimed at enhancing interoperability, cohesion, and exchange of Best Practices. The
week-long engagement reinforces the continued commitment towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan
maritime ties and shared maritime interests.
On arrival, the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy in the presence of the
Naval band. The Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak, Cdr Sailesh Tyagi, called on RAdm SJ
Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, and held discussions on matters of mutual
interest. In addition to professional engagements, the visit will also feature social interactions, sports
fixtures, and joint yoga sessions – fostering deeper bonds of friendship, goodwill, and camaraderie
between the two navies.
As part of India’s humanitarian outreach, the ship will be presenting two BHISM (Bharat Health
Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities under the Government of
India’s ‘Aarogya Maitri’ initiative. These state-of-the-art portable medical units capable of handling
up to 200 emergency cases are designed to provide rapid response and are equipped with essential
medicines and surgical tools for basic procedures. Further strengthening maritime security cooperation,
Indian Navy will also hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy.
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. Sustained maritime collaboration and
engagements with partner nations reaffirm the shared commitment to fostering stability, cooperation, and
collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and
Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)._____________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 80/26
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