The Indian Naval Ship INS Nireekshak arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 28, 2026, to spearhead the fourth edition of the India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (IN-SLN DIVEX 2026). This specialized exercise aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and operational cohesion between the diving units of both navies in complex underwater environments. It represents a significant step in fostering regional maritime stability and interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region.
INS Nireekshak: The Specialist of the Seas
INS Nireekshak (A-15) is the Indian Navy’s premier Diving Support Vessel (DSV) and serves as an interim Submarine Rescue Vessel. Built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the ship was originally intended for commercial oil exploration by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) before being acquired and commissioned by the Indian Navy in 1989. It was later re-commissioned in September 1995 after significant modifications to suit naval requirements.
The vessel is equipped with advanced underwater technologies, including:
- Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV) capable of operating at depths of up to 300 metres.
- Two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell for saturation diving operations.
- A Dynamic Positioning System that allows the ship to maintain a precise position over a specific spot on the seabed, which is critical for diving and salvage work.
INS Nireekshak holds several national records for saturation diving, including a record-breaking dive to a depth of 257 metres. Its presence in Colombo highlights India’s technical prowess in underwater search and rescue operations.
IN-SLN DIVEX 2026: Strengthening Underwater Interoperability
The IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 is a specialized bilateral naval exercise focused on the exchange of best practices in diving and underwater operations. This fourth edition involves elite diving teams from both the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies, participating in a series of intensive drills. These exercises are crucial for ensuring that both forces can respond effectively to maritime emergencies, such as submarine accidents or shipwrecks.
Deep-Sea Drills and Shipwreck Explorations
A key feature of the 2026 exercise is the conduct of joint deep-sea dives over historic shipwrecks off the coast of Colombo. Divers have explored vessels such as the SS Worcester and SS Perseus, which provide a realistic environment for practicing underwater search, salvage, and photography.
These dives often involve mixed-gas diving, a technique where divers use a combination of gases (like heliox) to operate at depths that would be dangerous with regular compressed air. Such operations are vital for maintaining the readiness of “Clearance Divers” who are responsible for removing underwater obstacles and securing shipping lanes.
Humanitarian Outreach and Strategic Cooperation
Beyond the technical drills, the visit of INS Nireekshak includes significant humanitarian and diplomatic components. As part of the Aarogya Maitri initiative, India handed over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities. These are portable, modular medical units designed to provide rapid healthcare in disaster-hit areas or during maritime emergencies.
Furthermore, the Indian Navy provided 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy to bolster its coastal security capabilities. These gestures reflect the deep-rooted trust and defense partnership between the two neighbors, extending beyond just military exercises to include capacity building and humanitarian assistance.
India’s Vision for a Secure Indian Ocean Region
The IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 is aligned with India’s broader maritime vision, known as MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). This vision emphasizes collective responsibility and cooperative security among the littoral nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By conducting regular exercises with Sri Lanka, India reinforces its role as the “First Responder” and a preferred security partner in the region.
This cooperation also falls under the umbrella of India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. In addition to DIVEX, the two navies also participate in SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise), an annual bilateral maritime exercise that covers a wider range of surface and anti-air warfare drills. Such engagements are critical for maintaining a “Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
Key Takeaways
- INS Nireekshak is a specialized Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy built by Mazagon Dock Limited.
- The 4th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (IN-SLN DIVEX 2026) was held in Colombo in April 2026.
- The exercise featured joint deep-sea dives over historic shipwrecks including the SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
- India donated two BHISM cubes (portable medical units) under the Aarogya Maitri initiative to Sri Lanka.
- The engagement aligns with India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR and the SAGAR initiative for regional security.
- The Indian Navy also provided 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy for maritime security.
