Visit by INS Nireekshak to Sri Lanka enhances Maritime Cooperation.

Overview

INS Nireekshak has come to Colombo Port to undertake an operational turnaround and training visit, strengthening maritime collaboration between India and Sri Lanka. The visit underscores the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries in terms of naval relations and the determination to resolve the security issue in the Indian Ocean.

Role and Capabilities of INS Nireekshak.

INS Nireekshak is an Indian Navy diving support and submarine rescue ship. It is designed for:

• Diving and salvage at deep-sea.
• Submarine rescue missions
• Repair and recovery of underwater.

The vessel, under the command of Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, is having training with Sri Lankan naval divers to make it more efficient in its operations.

4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise.

This is the 4th Joint Diving Exercise (April 21 27, 2026).
Key objectives include:

• Enhance the interoperability of the two navies.
• Exchanging best practice in underwater operations.
• Enhancing disaster response and coordination.

These drills play a vital role in maritime security and underwater security operations.

Humanitarian and Defence Assistance.

As an Indian outreach:

• Two BHISM medical cubes will be given out in the Aarogya Maitri project.
• The Sri Lankan Navy will be provided with 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.

All these measures are a unification of humanitarian aid with defence cooperation that strengthens bilateral trust.

Strategic Significance in Indian Ocean Region.

The trip is in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth Across Regions) of India. It reflects:

• The role of India as a net security provider in Indian ocean.
• Enhancing regional maritime relationships.
• Emphasize on collective security and peace.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• INS Nireekshak: diving support/submarine rescue vessel.
• Takes part in 4th India-Sri Lanka Diving Exercise.
• Supply BHISM cubes and defence supplies.
• Contributes to Aarogya Maitri project.
• Connected to MAHASAGAR vision.

MCQ

Q1. Which of the following functions is mainly related to INS Nireekshak?
A. Operation of missile warfare.
B. Missions of airplanes.
C. Submarine rescue and diving support.
D. Amphibious assault operations.

Answer: C

Purpose: INS Nireekshak is an Indian Navy specialised ship that is used in submarine rescue,