Overview: From 21‑28 April 2026, the Ministry of Defence facilitated the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN‑SLN DIVEX at Colombo. The Indian Navy deployed its Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, alongside Sri Lankan diving teams, underscoring heightened operational coordination.
Key Developments
- Execution of advanced mixed gas diving drills, including dives on World‑War‑era wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus.
- Successful deep‑sea dives beyond 55 metres, enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage.
- Flag Officer Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara visited INS Nireekshak, praising India’s support for Sri Lankan diver training.
- People‑to‑people activities: beach clean‑up at Galle Face, friendly sports, yoga sessions, and a wreath‑laying ceremony at the IPKF Memorial.
- Hand‑over of two BHISM cubes under the Aarogya Maitri programme, boosting disaster‑response readiness.
Important Facts
The exercise featured:
- Joint harbour and open‑sea dives demonstrating high technical proficiency.
- Use of mixed‑gas blends to safely operate at depths exceeding 55 m.
- Coordination under the strategic vision