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INS Nireekshak docks in Colombo for India-Sri Lanka DIVEX 2026 naval drills

The Indian Navy's diving support vessel INS Nireekshak has arrived in Colombo to participate in the bilateral IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 exercise. The week-long drills aim to enhance interoperability and share best practices in specialized underwater operations between the two navies. The visit includes the handover of portable medical units under India's humanitarian Aarogya Maitri initiative and the provision of ammunition to bolster Sri Lanka's maritime security. This engagement reinforces the shared commitment to stability and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key Points: India-Sri Lanka DIVEX 2026: INS Nireekshak boosts maritime ties

  • Joint diving & underwater ops training
  • Transfer of portable medical units
  • Provision of 9mm ammunition
  • Fostering goodwill via yoga & sports
  • Aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision
2 min read

INS Nireekshak reaches Colombo for India-Sri Lanka DIVEX 2026, boosting maritime ties

Indian Navy ship INS Nireekshak arrives in Colombo for joint diving exercises, medical aid transfer, and enhanced maritime security cooperation.

"enhancing interoperability, strengthening coordination, and facilitating the exchange of best practices - Ministry of Defence"

Colombo, April 22

India's naval vessel INS Nireekshak arrived at Colombo to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral diving exercise, IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, scheduled from April 21 to April 27.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, INS Nireekshak arrived at the island nation on Tuesday, April 21.

The week-long exercise will bring together diving teams from the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy to undertake a series of specialised underwater operations and training drills. The initiative is aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening coordination, and facilitating the exchange of best practices between the two maritime forces.

Upon arrival, INS Nireekshak was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lankan Navy, complete with a naval band reception.

Commanding Officer Commander of INS Nireekshak Cdr Sailesh Tyagi held discussions with Sri Lanka's Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, on issues of mutual interest and avenues for deeper cooperation.

Beyond operational engagements, the visit will include social interactions, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions designed to foster camaraderie and goodwill between the personnel of both navies.

As part of India's humanitarian outreach, the vessel will also hand over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to Sri Lankan authorities under the government's Aarogya Maitri initiative. These portable medical units are equipped to handle up to 200 emergency cases and come with essential medicines and basic surgical capabilities, as per the release.

In a further step to strengthen maritime security cooperation, the Indian Navy will provide 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy.

The IN-SLN DIVEX exercise underscores the deep-rooted maritime partnership between the two countries and reflects their shared commitment to ensuring stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The engagement aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision -- Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions -- aimed at promoting collective growth and regional security.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Chennai, seeing our navy actively engaging with Sri Lanka is reassuring. The Indian Ocean is our backyard and cooperation like this is key to keeping sea lanes safe for trade and preventing any external interference. Well done!
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope we are also being strategic. We must ensure our generosity and cooperation translate into long-term trust and not get taken for granted. The ammunition provision is a significant step. The joint yoga sessions are a nice cultural touch!
P
Priyanka N
The BHISM cubes are the real highlight for me. Providing portable medical aid shows we care about the people of Sri Lanka, not just state-level relations. This is what 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) looks like in practice. Proud of our Navy!
A
Aman W
While this is positive, I respectfully think we need to balance such outreach. Our own coastal security needs constant upgrading and funding. I hope exercises like DIVEX 2026 also directly benefit our navy's operational readiness and not just diplomatic goodwill.
K
Kavya N
MAHASAGAR vision sounds promising! It's high time India took a clear leadership role in the Indian Ocean Region. Training, medical aid, and security support – we are offering a complete partnership package. This is how you build reliable neighbours.

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