The navies of India and Sri Lanka seek to further strengthen maritime ties while promoting a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment as they begin bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) on Tuesday. The exercise, which will be held in two phases at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, will last till Friday.
Launched in 2005, SLINEX is a major series of bilateral naval exercises that have strengthened maritime cooperation between the two countries over the years.
The harbour phase of the exercise will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday and the sea phase on Thursday and Friday.
In the harbour phase, the participants will engage in professional and social exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding, while the second phase will feature joint exercises, including Special Forces operations, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship practices, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations.
Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a naval offshore patrol vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team will participate in the joint exercise, while Sri Lanka has sent SLNS Sayura, an offshore patrol vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team for the same.
"Over the years, SLINEX has expanded in scope, enabling both navies to enhance interoperability and share best practices," the defence ministry said, adding that the latest edition of the event seeks to further build on this.
