India and Sri Lanka Hold Fourth Edition of IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 Naval Diving Exercise
India and Sri Lanka held the fourth edition of the bilateral naval diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo, focusing on deep-sea diving, underwater rescue, and salvage operations.
India and Sri Lanka conducted the fourth edition of their bilateral naval diving exercise, named IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, in Colombo. The exercise brought together diving teams of the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy to train together on advanced underwater operations.
The two navies practised coordinated tasks such as deep-sea diving, underwater rescue, and salvage operations. Divers carried out dives deeper than 55 metres and also explored old shipwrecks as part of the training. The exercise was designed to improve the practical skills and joint working of the diving units of both countries.
Such exercises are an important part of India's defence cooperation with its maritime neighbours. During the engagement, India also extended medical support to Sri Lanka under the Aarogya Maitri initiative, reflecting the close defence and humanitarian ties between the two nations.
For aspirants, the key takeaway is that joint exercises like DIVEX strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and deepen India's relations with neighbouring countries under its 'Neighbourhood First' approach.
Key Points to Remember
- Exercise name: IN-SLN DIVEX 2026 (fourth edition)
- Held in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy
- Focus areas: deep-sea diving (beyond 55 metres), underwater rescue, salvage operations
- India offered medical support under the Aarogya Maitri initiative
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains (International Relations — India-Sri Lanka, Defence Exercises), Defence exams (NDA/CDS), and Banking/SSC General Awareness.
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