India-Sri Lanka Holds IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 to enhance Naval Cooperation.

An important Bilateral Naval Drill.

IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 took place in Colombo, India and Sri Lanka between April 21 and 28. This was the fourth such dual diving exercise. It concentrated on underwater operations, rescue, maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

INS Nireekshak Takes the lead in India.

The exercise involved the use of INS Nireekshak by the Indian Navy.

• It is a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel.
• It is used in deep-sea diving and rescue.

Both countries trained diving teams in harbour and open sea. This enhanced teamwork and coordination.

Concentrate on Deep-Sea Diving Skills.

Advanced diving exercises were involved.

• Beyond 55 metres deep-sea diving.
• Mixed gas diving techniques.
• Sea search and rescue activities.

These exercises enhanced capacity in real life rescue and salvage operations.

Application of Historic Shipwrecks.

Divers were training on shipwrecks of the World War era off Colombo.

• SS Worcester
• SS Perseus

These sites offered complicated underwater environments. They aided in testing technical capability and safety processes.

Humanitarian and Confidence-Building Measures.

India also assisted Sri Lanka in the humanitarian efforts.

• On the Aarogya Maitri initiative, two BHISM cubes were donated.
• These aid in disaster preparedness and medical preparedness.

Other activities included:

• Beach cleaning drives
• Sports events
• Yoga sessions

Such activities enhanced trust and friendship.

The significance of this exercise.

The workout enhances the ability of the joints in underwater operations. It also endorses the stability and collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region.

It embodies the common aim of the two countries to have secure oceans and robust maritime security.

Exam-Focused Points

• IN-SLN DIVEX is a mutual diving exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
• Held in Colombo from April 21–28, 2026.
• INS Nireekshak was deployed by Indian Navy.
• Specialise in deep-sea diving, rescue and maritime security.
• Diving deeper than 55 metres .
• Drills in the