India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Tenth Edition of the India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX is currently underway in Visakhapatnam, with the goal of improving interoperability and mutual understanding between the navies of the two neighboring nations in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region. Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise or SLINEX are being carried out in two phases. The first covers the port phase in Visakhapatnam on March 7 and 8, and second covers the marine phase in the Bay of Bengal on March 9 and 10.
Additionally, the 10th edition of Annual Indian Navy–Sri Lanka Navy Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX-2023 is underway in Colombo from 3-8 April 2023. The Exercise is executed in two phases: the Harbour Phase in Colombo from 3 to 5 April, and the Sea Phase off Colombo from 6 to 8 April. Accordingly, INS Kiltan (Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol Vessel) will represent the Indian Navy, while SLNS Gajabahu (Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel) and SLNS Sagara will represent the Sri Lanka Navy (OPV).
In addition, the Indian Navy’s Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft as well as the Sri Lanka Air Force’s Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters will also take part in the Exercise. Further, the Special Forces of the two Navies will also participate in the exercise. The previous SLINEX edition was carried out in Visakhapatnam from March 7-12, 2022. The objective of SLINEX-2023 is to strengthen interoperability, enhance mutual comprehension, and facilitate the exchange of best practices/ procedures in multifaceted maritime operations between the two Navies. Additionally, the two countries have also developed strong military and security ties, concentrating specifically on joint exercises, training, and capacity development to achieve regional stability.
India has always been a major player in Sri Lanka’s maritime security endeavors and has supported the Sri Lankan Coast Guard and Navy with training, equipment, and vessels. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s marine capabilities have been improved by the transfer of offshore patrol vessels and advanced offshore patrol vessels. Further, the joint military exercises, including the “Mitra Shakti” for the army, have enhanced interoperability between the two countries, with the most recent exercise in December 2019 concentrating on counterterrorism. Additionally, India also provides military training programs for all three arms of Sri Lankan security forces.
