Introduction
In a recent development, INS Nireekshak, a specialised vessel of the Indian Navy, arrived at Colombo to participate in the 4th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026). The exercise highlights growing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and reflects India’s broader commitment to regional security and humanitarian outreach.
About INS Nireekshak
INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel designed to assist in complex underwater operations. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in 1985, the ship has served the Indian Navy for decades and was formally commissioned in 1995.
The vessel is equipped with advanced deep-sea diving systems, recompression chambers, and submarine rescue infrastructure. It can deploy Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) and supports saturation diving missions, which allow divers to work at great depths for extended durations.
Its dynamic positioning and stabilisation systems ensure precision during delicate underwater operations. This makes INS Nireekshak crucial for search-and-rescue missions,
underwater inspections, salvage operations, and diver training.
Key Features
Type: Dive Support & Submarine Rescue Vessel Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd Commissioned: 1995
Capabilities:
- Deep-sea diving & saturation diving
- Submarine rescue (DSRV deployment)
- Recompression chambers
- Underwater inspection & salvage
DIVEX 2026: Key Highlights
The India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026) marks its fourth edition, bringing together naval diving teams from both countries.
The week-long exercise focuses on specialised underwater drills, including rescue operations, salvage techniques, and diver training. It aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, ensuring better coordination during joint maritime operations.
Such exercises also promote the exchange of technical expertise and best practices, strengthening bilateral defence ties in the Indian Ocean Region.
Humanitarian Outreach: Aarogya Maitri Initiative
As part of India’s humanitarian diplomacy, INS Nireekshak will hand over two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to Sri Lankan authorities under the Aarogya Maitri Initiative.
These portable medical units are designed for rapid deployment during emergencies. Each unit can handle up to 200 patients and is equipped with essential medicines, diagnostic tools, and basic surgical facilities. This initiative reflects India’s role as a “first responder” in the region, particularly during natural disasters and health crises.
Significance
The participation of INS Nireekshak in DIVEX 2026 holds strategic and humanitarian importance. From a defence perspective, it strengthens maritime cooperation and enhances preparedness for underwater emergencies, including submarine accidents.
From a diplomatic angle, it reinforces India–Sri Lanka relations under the framework of regional cooperation and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Additionally, the humanitarian component through BHISM cubes underscores India’s commitment to soft power and disaster relief.
Conclusion
INS Nireekshak’s deployment to DIVEX 2026 exemplifies the synergy between military capability and humanitarian outreach. As maritime challenges evolve, such collaborations will play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability, safety, and mutual trust in the Indian Ocean Region.