Deep-Sea Diplomacy: How India and Sri Lanka Strengthened Maritime Ties in Colombo

India and Sri Lanka have once again underlined their growing naval cooperation through the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise, Exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, held in Colombo. The week-long engagement brought together divers, ships, and personnel from both countries, highlighting not just operational coordination but also broader strategic alignment in the Indian Ocean Region.

What is Exercise IN-SLN DIVEX and why does it matter?

The IN-SLN DIVEX is a specialised bilateral exercise focused on diving and underwater operations. It is designed to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy, especially in complex maritime environments.

This year’s edition saw participation from the Indian naval vessel INS Nireekshak, which played a central role in conducting deep-sea operations. The exercise is considered a key engagement that reflects the “deep-rooted maritime partnership” between the two nations.

What operational activities were carried out during the drills?

The highlight of the exercise was advanced deep-sea diving. According to the Indian Navy spokesperson, “From the Depths, We Deliver” was the theme of the X post.

Divers from both navies carried out mixed-gas dives beyond 55 metres, demonstrating high levels of technical expertise. These dives were conducted over historic shipwrecks, including the World War II wreck SS Worcester and the World War I wreck SS Perseus.

Describing the significance, the Navy noted, “A landmark evolution underscoring precision, interoperability, and steadfast maritime partnership.”

How do these drills improve naval cooperation?

The exercise is aimed at building seamless coordination between the two navies. By conducting joint underwater missions, both sides improve their ability to work together during real-world scenarios such as search-and-rescue operations, salvage missions, and underwater repairs.

The Navy highlighted that the drills showcased “precision, skill, and seamless #Interoperability beneath the waves,” reinforcing operational synergy.

Were there non-operational activities as well?

Yes, the engagement went beyond technical drills. Personnel from both navies participated in joint activities aimed at strengthening camaraderie and well-being.

In another X post, the Navy said, “Forging Deeper Maritime Synergy Beneath and Beyond the Waves” as the theme. It added, “At Colombo, advancing this shared maritime spirit, INS Nireekshak crew joined Sri Lanka Navy for a revitalising Yoga session - fostering resilience, mindfulness and collective wellbeing at sea.”

How does this fit into the broader India-Sri Lanka partnership?

The exercise is part of sustained maritime collaboration between India and Sri Lanka, aligned with India’s regional vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Such engagements reaffirm a shared commitment to stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region, which is strategically vital for global trade and security.

(With inputs from ANI)