The Indian Navy has deployed its specialised Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, to Colombo for the fourth edition of the India- Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 26), underscoring the growing depth of maritime cooperation between the two neighbours.
INS Nireekshak reached Colombo on April 21 to participate in the bilateral exercise being conducted jointly with the Sri Lanka Navy. The exercise is designed to enhance operational synergy in specialised diving operations and submarine rescue missions, capabilities that are increasingly critical in both military and humanitarian maritime scenarios.
DIVEX 26 will focus on a range of advanced underwater activities, including deep-sea diving, salvage operations and coordinated rescue procedures. These engagements are expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices, standard operating procedures and technical expertise between the two navies. Such interactions play a vital role in improving interoperability, particularly during complex underwater missions where precision and coordination are paramount.
Defence analysts highlight that exercises like DIVEX are not limited to combat preparedness but also contribute significantly to regional maritime safety. Submarine rescue and diving operations are crucial in responding to emergencies such as underwater accidents, shipwrecks and disaster relief situations, making this collaboration strategically valuable. They are also very crucial during massive natural disasters like Tsunami (2004), when many people died in India and Sri Lanka just because the help didn’t reach them in time.
The visit of INS Nireekshak also reflects India’s continued commitment to strengthening defence ties with Sri Lanka, in line with its broader “Neighbourhood First” policy and vision for a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region. Regular naval exchanges and joint exercises have become a cornerstone of bilateral relations, fostering trust and mutual understanding between the two maritime forces.
As the exercise progresses, both sides are expected to build upon existing cooperation frameworks, reinforcing their shared objective of maintaining maritime security and readiness in the region.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.