India, Sri Lanka conduct diving exercise in Colombo

• India and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their growing maritime partnership through the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise ‘IN-SLN DIVEX’ conducted in Colombo from April 21-28.

• Personnel from the navies of India and Sri Lanka executed deep-sea dives, enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue and salvage operations, as part of a bilateral naval exercise held off the coast of Colombo.

• Divers from both navies successfully executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 m — enhancing joint capabilities in underwater search, rescue, and salvage operations, while reinforcing coordination in the Indian Ocean Region.

• The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel — INS Nireekshak, alongside diving teams from both navies, underscoring enhanced operational coordination and professional synergy.

• Divers from both navies undertook extensive harbour and open-sea dives, demonstrating high levels of technical proficiency and operational expertise.

• A key highlight was the conduct of mixed gas dives off Colombo over World War-era wrecks — SS Worcester and SS Perseus.

• The exercise stands as a testament to sustained bilateral collaboration, aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)