COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Naval forces from India and Sri Lanka concluded a weeklong series of advanced diving exercises Tuesday, reaching record depths and underscoring their resolve to operational readiness and cooperation in a region that continues to grow in strategic importance.
The fourth edition of the bilateral exercise, known as IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, ran from April 21 to April 28. The drills featured the Indian Navy’s specialized diving support and submarine rescue vessel, INS Nireekshak, which worked alongside elite diving teams from the two countries to improve interoperability in complex undersea environments.
Divers from both navies successfully executed dives exceeding 55 meters (180 feet). This achievement, focused on high-technical mixed-gas diving, stresses the exercise’s importance in boosting joint capabilities for complex underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations.
The teams utilized the waters off Colombo to conduct drills on World War II-era shipwrecks, including the SS Worcester and SS Perseus. These dives served both as technical training and as historical surveys of the region’s maritime heritage.
Rear Adm. SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Area of the Sri Lankan Navy, visited the INS Nireekshak during the drills. He praised the collaboration, noting that exchanging professional expertise is vital for regional security.
India aims to solidify its role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region through its MAHASAGAR initiative.
India handed over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri) medical cubes to Sri Lankan authorities, strengthening disaster response and emergency medical preparedness under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative.
The week also included symbolic acts of remembrance and community service. The commanding officer of the INS Nireekshak laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial to honor Indian soldiers killed during operations in Sri Lanka in the late 1980s. Divers also participated in a joint beach cleanup at Colombo’s Galle Face Green and held friendly sports and yoga sessions.
Naval officials from both countries gave the INS Nireekshak a ceremonial send-off Tuesday, marking the end of the exercise. The drills highlight both nations’ shared resolve to maintain peace and stability in the crowded shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean.
