The Indian Navy’s INS Nireekshak has reached Colombo to participate in the 4th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026), reflecting growing bilateral maritime cooperation, interoperability, and humanitarian coordination in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About DIVEX 2026
DIVEX 2026 is a specialised bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka focused on diving and underwater operations, including submarine rescue, salvage operations, and search-and-rescue missions. The exercise is hosted by Sri Lanka and involves elite diving teams from both navies conducting joint training to improve operational synergy and underwater mission capability.
The exercise is conducted under India’s broader maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which aims to enhance regional stability and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Features of DIVEX 2026
The exercise includes specialised underwater drills such as deep-sea diving operations, underwater search and rescue, and salvage training exercises. It also emphasises interoperability between naval diving teams to respond effectively to maritime contingencies.
In addition to operational training, the exercise incorporates humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions, including exchange of BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) medical cubes, participation in joint sports activities, yoga sessions, and professional interactions to strengthen camaraderie between personnel.
India has also extended defence assistance support, including provision of ammunition and logistical cooperation to enhance Sri Lanka’s maritime operational readiness.
About INS Nireekshak
INS Nireekshak is a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSRV) of the Indian Navy, designed for deep-sea diving operations, underwater engineering, and submarine rescue missions. It plays a crucial role in specialised maritime operations and humanitarian rescue efforts, making it a key asset in bilateral and multilateral naval exercises.
Additional Key Facts:
India and Sri Lanka share a neighbourhood maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean
India plays a key role as a “first responder” in the region during maritime disasters
Exercises like DIVEX contribute to anti-submarine warfare preparedness and underwater rescue capability
The Indian Navy’s increasing focus on HADR and non-traditional security threats reflects evolving maritime strategy
DIVEX complements other major Indian Navy exercises like Milan (multilateral) and SLINEX (bilateral)
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