India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX) 2026:
The Indian Navy’s INS Nireekshak has been deployed to Colombo to participate in the fourth edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026), highlighting deepening maritime cooperation and proactive humanitarian outreach in the Indian Ocean Region in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).DIVEX 2026 exercise focuses on specialized underwater operations, aiming to enhance operational cohesion, interoperability, and maritime security cooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.The deployment showcases the operational readiness of INS Nireekshak, a critical naval asset specifically designed for deep-sea diving support and submarine rescue missions.Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) advancing India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the mission includes the presentation of two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes under the overarching Aarogya Maitri programme.The BHISM cubes function as highly portable, state-of-the-art medical units capable of autonomously managing up to 200 emergency cases, significantly bolstering regional disaster resilience and medical diplomacy.INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy, built by Mazagon Shipbuilders in 1985 and operational since 1989 (commissioned in 1995). It has played a key role in diving operations and holds the national record for the deepest dive at 257 metres.
