Context
Recently, the Indian Navy’s Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, INS Nireekshak, arrived at the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (DIVEX 2026). The week-long exercise (April 21–27, 2026) aims to strengthen interoperability between the diving teams of both navies and involves the handover of essential humanitarian and security aid to Sri Lanka.
1. About INS Nireekshak (A15)
- Type of Vessel: It is a sophisticated Diving Support Vessel (DSV) that also serves as an interim Submarine Rescue Vessel (SRV).
- Manufacturer: Built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and commissioned in 1989.
- Core Capabilities: * Equipped with two Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV) capable of rescue operations at depths up to 300 meters.
- Features a Diving Bell, recompression chambers, and dynamic positioning systems to maintain a steady station during deep-sea operations.
- Record Holder: In 2013, its saturation divers set a national record by diving to a depth of 257 meters in the Arabian Sea.
2. India-Sri Lanka DIVEX 2026
- Edition: 4th Edition.
- Objective: To undertake specialized underwater operations, enhance operational cohesion, and exchange “Best Practices” in diving and submarine rescue.
- Strategic Alignment: The exercise is part of India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative—a high-level virtual interaction for maritime security in the IOR.
3. Humanitarian Outreach & Security Assistance
During this visit, India extended support under its “Neighbourhood First” policy:
- Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri): India presented two BHISHM Cubes to Sri Lanka. These are portable, integrated medical units (part of Aarogya Maitri) capable of treating up to 200 emergency cases, including trauma and fractures, in remote areas.
- Ammunition Handover: The Indian Navy handed over 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy to bolster their security capabilities.
4. Broader Strategic Frameworks
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): India’s vision to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbors.
- Submarine Rescue Treaties: India is one of the few nations with advanced DSRV capabilities, often providing “Submarine Rescue Provider” status to friendly foreign navies in the Indian Ocean.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding INS Nireekshak:
1. It is an indigenously built Diving Support Vessel that can also perform submarine rescue operations.
2. It is currently participating in the 4th edition of the bilateral diving exercise (DIVEX 2026) with the Sri Lankan Navy.
3. As part of Project BHISHM, it is equipped with portable medical units called 'BHISHM Cubes' for humanitarian assistance.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Solution: C
• STATEMENT 1 IS CORRECT: INS Nireekshak was built by Mazagon Dock Limited and serves as the Navy’s primary diving support and interim submarine rescue vessel.
• STATEMENT 2 IS CORRECT: The vessel arrived in Colombo in April 2026 specifically for the 4th edition of the DIVEX exercise.
• STATEMENT 3 IS CORRECT: Under the 'Aarogya Maitri' initiative, the ship is involved in delivering BHISHM cubes (portable hospitals) to Sri Lanka.
