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INS Nireekshak conduct DIVEX Exercise from 21 to 27 April 2026 Participating in the fourth edition of the India–Sri Lanka Diving. The ship has arrived at Colombo port, for an operational turnaround and joint/diving‑training visit as part of India–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation.
About Exercise
- Humanitarian Outreach: Under the Aarogya Maitri initiative, INS Nireekshak is handing over two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes—portable medical units capable of treating up to 200 emergency cases—to Sri Lankan authorities.
- Security Assistance: The Indian Navy is also handing over 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy during this visit to bolster their security capabilities.
- Strategic Vision: This deployment aligns with India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
About Nireekshak
- Builder: Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai.
- Original Purpose: Built in 1985 for ONGC's offshore oil exploration.
- Navy Induction: Acquired by the Indian Navy on lease in 1989 and formally commissioned on 15 September 1995.
- Type: Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSV).
- Pennant Number: A-15.
- Role: Primarily used for deep-sea diving support, submarine rescue, and training saturation divers.
- Displacement: 2,160 tons (standard) to 3,600 tons (full load).
- Dimensions: 70.5 metres in length and 17.5 metres in beam.
- Speed: Maximum speed of 12 knots.
- Propulsion: Equipped with a Kongsberg Dynamic Positioning System, which allows it to maintain a precise position during sensitive underwater missions.
Specialized Equipment
- Diving Systems: Features a three-man diving bell and two six-man recompression chambers to prevent decompression sickness.
- Rescue Capability: Can deploy Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV) to rescue crew from distressed submarines at depths up to 300 metres.
- Advanced Tools: Carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and sonar systems for precision underwater salvage.
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