The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Coast Guard have conducted the first ever joint joint scuba diving expedition. The exercise was conducted off the Vijaydurg coast, Maharashtra. The joint team conducted precision dives at Angria Bank, an ecologically rich underwater plateau in the Arabian Sea.
The week-long venture, ‘Forging Bonds Beneath the Waves’, began on October 8, with 20 divers from both services embarking on ICG Ship Sujeet. The expedition was flagged off by Air Vice Marshal Manish Khullar, ACAS (Org & Cer), and the Commander, Coast Guard District HQ Goa.
“This pioneering venture showcased camaraderie, operational coordination, and adventure, while also raising awareness on marine conservation and maritime domain enhancement. Together, we dive deeper for nation, nature, and unity,” the India Coast Guard said in a post.
Watch the video below:
“Forging Bonds Beneath the Waves”
In a landmark display of inter-service synergy, the maiden joint scuba diving expedition by @IAF_MCC and @IndiaCoastGuard was ceremoniously flagged in today, marking 93 glorious years of #IndianAirForce by Air Vice Marshal Manish Khullar, ACAS… pic.twitter.com/h4CpAVts5P— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) October 16, 2025
During the launch of the expedition, the restored Hindustan Trainer-2 (HT-2) aircraft was put up on display for the public. It is India’s first indigenous military aircraft.