IN–SLN DIVEX 2026

IN–SLN DIVEX 2026

  • Context:

  • India and Sri Lanka recently reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership by conducting the fourth edition of their bilateral diving exercise, IN-SLN DIVEX 2026

  • It was held in Colombo from April 21 to 28, 2026.

  • The exercise underscored enhanced operational coordination and professional synergy between the two neighbouring maritime forces.

  • Highlights of the Exercise:

  • The Indian Navy deployed its specialized Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, to operate alongside diving teams from the Sri Lankan Navy.

  • The engagement focused on complex underwater operations, aiming to strengthen interoperability through advanced deep-sea diving evolutions and mixed gas diving drills.

  • Divers undertook extensive harbour and open-sea dives to demonstrate technical proficiency.

  • Marking a significant achievement, divers from both nations successfully executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres.

  • This boosts joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

  • A key highlight was conducting mixed gas dives over World War-era shipwrecks, the SS Worcester and SS Perseus, off the coast of Colombo.

  • Diplomatic and Training Exchanges:

  • Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara of the Sri Lanka Navy visited INS Nireekshak, commending the Indian Navy's support in advancing the training of Sri Lankan divers and emphasizing the sustained exchange of professional expertise.

  • Additionally, the Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo to honour Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during operations in Sri Lanka.

  • Strengthening disaster response and medical preparedness, India handed over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes—portable hospital units—under the Aarogya Maitri initiative.

  • IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 aligns directly with India's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), reflecting a shared commitment to stability in the IOR.

  • The exercise also included joint activities like a beach clean-up at Galle Face, friendly sports fixtures, and yoga to foster camaraderie.