The 11th Edition of annual bilateral maritime Exercise Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise(SLINEX-24) held between the Indian Navy(IN) and the Sri Lankan Navy under the Eastern Naval Command of the IN from December 17-20, 2024 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
- The primary aim of SLINEX 2024 is to enhance the operational interoperability between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
- The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted in Colombo, Sri Lanka in April 2023.
About SLINEX 2024:
i.SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise) is a bilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
- It was initiated in 2005 and evolved into a significant series of exercises designed to improve interoperability, foster mutual understanding and promote maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
ii.The exercise is part of India’s broader maritime strategy, which includes enhancing maritime security cooperation with regional partners such as the Maldives.
Participating Units:
i.India: The Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team represent India.
- This ship is a versatile offshore patrol vessel that supports various operations such as fleet support, offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, and monitoring sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).
- It also serves as the Presidential Yacht of India.
ii.Sri Lanka: The Sri Lanka Naval Ship SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team represents Sri Lanka .
Structure of the Exercise:
The Exercise SLINEX-24 unfold in two phases:
i.Harbour Phase :The Harbour phase of the exercise held from December 17-18, 2024 at Visakhapatnam, emphasizes strengthening professional and cultural ties between the two navies.
- It includes interactions, cross-training sessions and joint planning activities, along with social exchanges such as sporting events & cultural programs.
ii.Sea Phase: The Sea Phase of the exercise held from December 19-20, 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, focuses on practical maritime drills to improve coordination and operational synergy.
- The key activities include: Special Forces operations, Gun firing drills, Communication and seamanship practices, Navigation evolutions and Helicopter operations.
Objectives:
i.Enhanced Maritime Security: By strengthening the operational cooperation between the two navies, SLINEX helps address maritime security challenges such as piracy, illegal activities and maritime terrorism in the region.
ii.Promoting Stability: The exercise reflects both nations’ commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and rules based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean.
iii.Regional Cooperation: SLINEX exemplifies the growing partnership between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
Recent Related News:
In November 2024, the Indian Army (IA) contingent participated in the 15th edition of the Exercise Vajra Prahar with the United States (US) Army at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, the United States of America (USA).
- The aim of the exercise is to strengthen military cooperation between India and the US.
About Sri Lanka:
President- Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Prime Minister (PM)-Harini Amarasuriya
Capital- Colombo
Currency- Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
