India, Sri Lanka conduct 13th bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Sep 21. India and Sri Lanka conducted the 13th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 at Visakhapatnam, with the five-day exercise focusing on strengthening operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies.
Conducted from September 17 to 21, SLINEX-26 began with the Harbour Phase and concluded with a Sea Phase involving coordinated maritime activities.
The Indian Navy participated with INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy was represented by SLNS Sindurala.
The Harbour Phase, conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, began with an opening ceremony and a reception aboard INS Kavaratti for the crew of the visiting Sri Lankan naval vessel.
The phase featured a series of professional interactions between personnel of the two navies, including cross-deck visits and exchanges on operational best practices. Yoga sessions, sporting events and cultural programmes were also part of the harbour activities.
The exercise subsequently moved into the Sea Phase, during which the two navies undertook coordinated activities aimed at improving operational synergy, interoperability and mutual understanding at sea.
Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has developed into an important platform for maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka, providing the two navies with opportunities to enhance cooperation and gain a better understanding of each other’s operational procedures.
The latest edition is also in line with India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, underlining New Delhi’s emphasis on a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the region.
The exercise is expected to further strengthen the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and contribute to enhanced cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain.
