Why in news?
India’s submarine rescue and diving support vessel INS Nireekshak has arrived in Colombo for the fourth edition of the bilateral Diving Exercise (DIVEX) with the Sri Lankan Navy. The exercise will enhance inter‑operability and maritime cooperation as part of India’s MAHASAGAR vision for the Indian Ocean region.
Background
INS Nireekshak was built in 1985 and commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1995. Designed for deep‑sea diving and submarine rescue, the 67‑metre‑long ship can support saturation diving operations, conduct salvage tasks and host a recompression chamber for treating decompression sickness. The annual DIVEX series began in 2021 to train divers from both navies in underwater search, salvage, mine‑countermeasure and disaster‑response operations.
About DIVEX 2026
- Enhancing operational cohesion: Teams practise mixed‑gas and air diving, underwater welding and cutting, and deployment of submersible vehicles. Joint drills build trust and familiarity with each other’s procedures.
- Delivery of BHISHM cubes: During this year’s visit INS Nireekshak delivered portable medical shelters known as BHISHM cubes under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative. These cubes can be assembled quickly to treat up to 200 casualties and incorporate artificial intelligence for resource management.
- Defence cooperation framework: The exercise follows a five‑year Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 that deepens military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. It complements other bilateral exercises such as SLINEX (naval) and MITRA SHAKTI (army).
- Part of MAHASAGAR vision: India’s maritime outreach to island and coastal nations aims to foster collective security and maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean.
Significance
- Improving rescue capability: By training together, divers are better prepared for submarine accidents, natural disasters and underwater search missions.
- Strengthening regional ties: Regular engagement with Sri Lanka supports mutual trust, ensures open sea lanes and counters threats such as piracy and smuggling.
- Showcasing humanitarian assistance: The deployment of BHISHM cubes demonstrates India’s commitment to providing rapid medical aid to neighbours during crises.
Source: The Hindu
