The Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy have strengthened their maritime engagement through the 13th edition of the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-26, held in Visakhapatnam from September 17 to 21, 2026. The exercise brought Indian naval assets and Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Sindurala together for professional interactions, coordinated maritime activities and operational exchanges.
The Indian Navy deployed INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti for the exercise. INS Kavaratti is an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, while INS Jyoti is a Fleet Tanker. SLNS Sindurala participated as the Sri Lanka Navy’s representative, providing an opportunity for personnel from both countries to interact and exchange operational experience.
SLINEX-26 was organised under the aegis of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command and was divided into Harbour and Sea phases. The Harbour Phase focused on professional interactions, cross-deck visits and exchanges of operational practices between the participating personnel.
The shore-based programme also included sporting, yoga and cultural activities involving personnel from the two navies. Such engagements form part of the exercise’s broader objective of building professional familiarity and strengthening ties between the Indian and Sri Lankan naval forces.
The Sea Phase subsequently provided an opportunity for the participating ships to undertake coordinated activities at sea. These engagements were aimed at improving interoperability and developing greater operational synergy between the two navies during maritime operations.
SLINEX has been conducted as part of India’s longstanding maritime engagement with Sri Lanka. Since its inception in 2005, the exercise has developed into a regular platform for the two navies to exchange expertise, enhance interoperability and expand cooperation in the maritime domain.
The latest edition also reflects the continuing importance of India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Through exercises such as SLINEX-26, both navies continue to build practical experience and strengthen their ability to cooperate during maritime operations.
-
-
-
-
