India and Sri Lanka Conclude SLINEX-26 Maritime Exercise

India and Sri Lanka conclude SLINEX-26 at Visakhapatnam after five days of maritime drills, professional exchanges and Special Forces exercises focused on strengthening naval interoperability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

India and Sri Lanka have successfully concluded the 13th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, at Visakhapatnam, with the five-day exercise focusing on maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies.

The Indian Navy participated with the indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette INS Kavaratti and Fleet Tanker INS Jyoti, while the Sri Lanka Navy was represented by the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sindurala. The exercise was conducted under the operational supervision of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.

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SLINEX-26 was organised in two phases. The Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam included professional interactions, cross-deck visits, exchanges between subject matter experts and sporting activities. These engagements provided personnel from both navies with opportunities to exchange operational experiences and strengthen institutional ties.

The Sea Phase began on September 20 and featured a range of coordinated maritime activities. The participating forces conducted maritime manoeuvres, air operations and night replenishment-at-sea exercises, along with Special Forces drills. The activities included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and slithering operations designed to improve coordination during maritime missions.

The Sri Lanka Navy also reported that the sea phase included live surface-firing exercises, tactical manoeuvring, anti-piracy response operations and cross-deck helicopter manoeuvres. These drills provided both navies with opportunities to practise coordinated responses and enhance tactical interoperability.

SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005 and has developed into a regular platform for India and Sri Lanka to conduct joint naval training, exchange professional expertise and strengthen maritime cooperation. The latest edition further expanded practical engagement between the two services through coordinated activities at sea and professional exchanges ashore.

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The Indian Ministry of Defence said SLINEX-26 reflects the maritime partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region. The exercise also supports India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its Neighbourhood First policy through enhanced maritime cooperation, interoperability and capacity building.