Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 20 (ANI): The 12th edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) successfully concluded on August 18 in the western seas off Colombo, according to an official statement by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The statement noted that both navies carried out a wide spectrum of operations across the ocean region to fulfill national and regional maritime aspirations. These regular exercises play a vital role in sustaining operational readiness by enhancing capabilities, advancing technology, and sharpening professional skills.
SLINEX-25 further strengthened cooperation and interoperability between the two navies, reaffirming their shared commitment to safeguarding security in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the exercise, the Sri Lanka Navy was represented by the Offshore Patrol Vessels SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura, while the Sri Lanka Air Force contributed a Bell 412 helicopter. The Indian Navy participated with the tanker-class INS Jyoti and the destroyer-class INS Rana. The exercise included both harbor and sea phases, which reinforced seamless coordination and readiness between the two forces.
On the sidelines of SLINEX-25, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, embarked on the visiting Indian naval ships in Colombo. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, along with the Commanding Officers of the ships, paid floral tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Battaramulla.
The statement added that Indian Navy personnel joined a series of goodwill events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, including training exchanges, friendly sports matches, cultural visits, and sightseeing tours, further strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two navies. The Indian Navy also shared snippets of the exercise through several posts on X.
Conceptualized in 2005, SLINEX has strengthened maritime cooperation between the two nations for two decades. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, expand maritime cooperation, and exchange best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations.
The previous edition of SLINEX was held in Visakhapatnam, India, from December 17 to 20, 2024. The exercise exemplifies the deepening maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka, in line with India’s policy of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR). (ANI)
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