India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their maritime partnership with the 13th edition of the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-26 in Visakhapatnam…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their maritime partnership and shared commitment to a secure Indian Ocean Region through the 13th edition of their bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-26, being held in Visakhapatnam.
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sindurala arrived at Visakhapatnam for the exercise, which is being conducted from September 17 to 21. The Indian Navy said the exercise underlined the enduring maritime ties between the two countries and their shared interest in maintaining security in the Indian Ocean Region.
“SLINEX26 reaffirms the enduring India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership and shared commitment to a secure Indian Ocean Region,” the Indian Navy spokesperson said in a post on X.
The exercise began with a Harbour Phase under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, followed by a Sea Phase focused on operational cooperation and interoperability.
The Indian Navy is being represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. SLNS Sindurala is participating on behalf of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The Ministry of Defence said SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005 and has since developed into an important platform for strengthening maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
The Harbour Phase commenced with an opening ceremony and reception hosted aboard INS Kavaratti for the crew of SLNS Sindurala. It includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits and exchanges of best practices between personnel from the two navies.
The programme also features yoga sessions, sporting events and cultural activities aimed at strengthening interaction between the participating personnel.
The subsequent Sea Phase is focused on enhancing operational synergy and interoperability through coordinated activities at sea. The exercise provides the two navies with an opportunity to improve coordination and develop greater understanding of maritime operations.
The Ministry said the exercise was aligned with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR and would further strengthen its commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.
SLINEX-26 comes days after another Indian naval engagement with Sri Lanka. Earlier in September, INS Udaygiri arrived in Colombo for a three-day operational visit from September 8 to 11, with the visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The visit coincided with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Sri Lanka, during which he attended a reception aboard INS Udaygiri.
The Indian Navy said the engagements during the visit included Mobile Training Teams, experience-sharing initiatives and the provision of machinery and equipment spares to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.
The Navy said the visit was undertaken in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and reflected its commitment to the MAHASAGAR vision.
The latest exercise adds to a series of maritime engagements between India and Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing cooperation, operational coordination and mutual understanding between their naval forces.
