Conclusion of SLINEX-2025 Exercise

Summary of SLINEX-2025 Conclusion

The 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-25, was successfully completed in Colombo on August 18, 2025. This exercise underscored the commitment of both countries to maritime security and cooperation.

Key Highlights:

• Dates and Phases:

  • The exercise commenced with the harbour phase in Colombo from August 14 to 16 and concluded with the sea phase on August 18, 2025.

• Participating Vessels:

  • The exercise featured Indian naval vessels, INS Jyoti and INS Rana, from the Eastern Fleet.
  • Sri Lankan Navy was represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, both classified as Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels.

• Bilateral Cooperation:

  • Commanding Officers from the Indian ships engaged with Rear Admiral Chandima Silva RSP, USP, Commander of the Western Naval Area, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral naval cooperation and share best practices.

• Commemoration:

  • The commanding officers paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial, recognizing the service and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990.

• Public Engagement:

  • The visiting ships were accessible to visitors, including Sri Lankan Navy personnel, government officials, students, and members of the Indian diaspora, providing a platform to showcase Indian naval capabilities, technology, and traditions.

• Training and Drills:

  • During the harbour phase, activities included:

    • Professional interactions and exchange of best practices.
    • Training exercises in firefighting, damage control, aviation operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
    • Friendly sports competitions.
    • A pre-sail conference to align objectives and methods.

  • The sea phase included advanced naval drills featuring:

    • Joint exercises and gunnery firing.
    • Communication protocols and navigation procedures.
    • Seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and refueling exercises.

• Strategic Importance:

  • The exercise significantly enhanced interoperability among naval forces, bolstered tactical capabilities, and reaffirmed mutual commitments to maritime security and stability.
  • The deployment of Indian naval ships highlighted the growing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka, aligning with the regional vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Conclusion:

SLINEX-25 showcased the collaborative naval commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards enhancing maritime security and building stronger bilateral ties. Through this exercise, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining stability in the region while fostering deeper people-to-people connections.

This naval exercise serves to further cement the strategic partnership between the two countries in line with ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.