In News:

INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, arrived in Colombo to participate in the fourth edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026).

DIVEX 2026: Enhancing Underwater Interoperability

The 2026 edition of DIVEX is designed as a high-intensity engagement focusing on specialized underwater operations. The primary objectives include:

• Operational Cohesion: Synchronizing complex diving procedures between the two navies.
• Interoperability: Sharing best practices in salvage, underwater repair, and search-and-rescue protocols.
• Maritime Security: Strengthening the collective capacity to secure vital sea lanes in the IOR.

INS Nireekshak: The Vanguard of Deep-Sea Operations

A pivotal asset in this exercise, INS Nireekshak is a sophisticated Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel. Built by Mazagon Shipbuilders and operational since 1989, it holds the prestigious national record for the deepest dive at 257 metres. Its presence in Colombo highlights India’s advanced technical capabilities in submarine rescue and deep-sea intervention.

Medical Diplomacy: The BHISM Initiative

In a move that aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the Aarogya Maitriprogramme, the mission includes the handover of two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to Sri Lanka.

• Capabilities: These are portable, integrated medical units equipped to manage up to 200 emergency cases autonomously.
• Strategic Intent: By gifting these "mini-hospitals," India reinforces its role as a "First Responder" in the region, significantly enhancing Sri Lanka's Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities.

Evolution of India-Sri Lanka Defence Ties

The exercise takes place against the backdrop of a landmark 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2025. This agreement has institutionalized military engagement across several pillars:

• Strategic Trust: Sri Lanka has reiterated its commitment to ensuring its territory is not utilized for activities detrimental to India’s security interests.
• Institutionalized Drills: Regular engagements like SLINEX (Naval) and Mitra Shakti (Army) have become cornerstones of the bilateral relationship.
• Proven Reliability: India’s proactive role during previous crises, such as the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster (2021) and Operation Sagar Bandhu, has cemented its reputation as a reliable security partner.