INDIA SRI LANKA DIVING EXERCISE: DIVEX
Why in News
- Indian Naval Ship INS Nireekshak arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka for the 4th edition of India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026).
- The exercise was scheduled from 21–27 April 2026.
- It aims to strengthen India–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation in underwater operations and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
ABOUT DIVEX
- A bilateral diving and underwater operations exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
- Focuses on specialised naval diving, salvage, and rescue operations.
- Hosted by Sri Lanka (Colombo) with participation from both navies.
OBJECTIVES
- Enhance interoperability between diving teams
- Improve underwater search, salvage, and rescue capabilities
- Strengthen operational coordination during maritime emergencies
- Promote exchange of best practices
KEY ACTIVITIES
- Specialised underwater drills conducted over one week
- Training in rescue, salvage, and diving operations
- Social engagements, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions
- Professional naval-to-naval interactions
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COMPONENT
- Transfer of BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes under the Aarogya Maitri programme
- Portable medical units capable of handling around 200 emergency cases
- Designed for rapid deployment in disaster situations
DEFENCE COOPERATION SUPPORT
- India provided 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lanka Navy
- Aimed at strengthening operational readiness and capacity building
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT & SIGNIFICANCE
- Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak held discussions with Sri Lankan naval leadership
- Focus on maritime security cooperation and future collaboration
Strategic Significance
Maritime Security Importance
- Enhances capability for underwater operations such as salvage and rescue
- Supports safety of shipping lanes and maritime infrastructure
- Builds readiness for submarine and deep-sea contingencies
GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
- Reinforces India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision
- Strengthens India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region
- Deepens India–Sri Lanka defence and maritime partnership
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
- Strengthens naval interoperability and trust in the neighbourhood
- Enhances humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capability
- Improves underwater operational readiness
- Supports India’s maritime leadership in the IOR
CHALLENGES
- Growing extra-regional naval presence in the Indian Ocean
- Need for continuous capacity building of partner navies
- Balancing security cooperation with regional sensitivities
WAY FORWARD
- Expand bilateral and multilateral naval exercises
- Strengthen HADR and disaster response coordination
- Enhance technology sharing in underwater and rescue systems
- Deepen cooperation under the SAGAR framework
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