Fourth India–Sri Lanka diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 concludes in Colombo
The fourth edition of the India–Sri Lanka bilateral diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX was held at Colombo from 21 to 28 April 2026 with the Indian Navy's diving support and submarine rescue vessel INS Nireekshak, featuring deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres.
Summary
IN–SLN DIVEX 2026, the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy, was conducted at Colombo from 21 to 28 April 2026 with the participation of INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel. Divers from both navies carried out mixed-gas dives over the World War-era wrecks SS Worcester and SS Perseus and executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres. Two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes were handed over under India's Aarogya Maitri initiative, and the exercise was described as aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR.
Key facts
- Exercise
- IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 (4th edition)
- Dates / place
- 21–28 April 2026, Colombo
- Indian ship
- INS Nireekshak (Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel)
- Highlights
- Mixed-gas dives over SS Worcester and SS Perseus; dives beyond 55 m
- Aid
- Two BHISM cubes under Aarogya Maitri
- Vision
- MAHASAGAR
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which Indian Navy ship participated in the bilateral diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 at Colombo?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Nireekshak
INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, took part in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026.
Consider the following statements about IN–SLN DIVEX 2026: 1. It was the first edition of the India–Sri Lanka diving exercise. 2. Divers from both navies executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was the fourth edition. Statement 2 is correct.