India-Sri Lanka naval cooperation received a fresh push with INS Nireekshak arriving in Colombo on 21 April 2026 for the fourth edition of IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, a bilateral diving exercise scheduled from 21 to 27 April. The Indian Navy vessel, which serves as a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, will take part in a week-long engagement focused on specialised diving operations and training with the Sri Lanka Navy.
According to the official release, the exercise is designed to improve interoperability, cohesion, and the exchange of best practices between the two navies. The visit began with a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy, and Commander Sailesh Tyagi, Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak, also met Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Beyond the operational component, the port call also includes social interactions, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions, reflecting an effort to deepen goodwill and professional familiarity between the two services. The visit is therefore being framed as both a military exercise and a broader confidence-building engagement in the maritime domain.
India is also using the visit to extend humanitarian and security support to Sri Lanka. As part of the Aarogya Maitri initiative, INS Nireekshak will present two BHISM cubes to Sri Lankan authorities. These portable medical units are meant for rapid emergency response and can reportedly handle up to 200 emergency cases, while carrying essential medicines and surgical tools for basic procedures. In a separate step aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation, the Indian Navy will also hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy.
The exercise underlines the continuing strategic importance of India-Sri Lanka maritime ties in the Indian Ocean. The PIB release describes IN-SLN DIVEX as a significant bilateral engagement that reflects the deep-rooted partnership between the two neighbours and aligns with India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision for regional security, cooperation, and collective growth.
Reference: PIB
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