SLINEX-2025 Concludes
The 12th edition
of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 successfully
concluded in Colombo on 18 August 2025, reaffirming shared commitment and
maritime security. The current edition saw the participation of Indian naval
ships INS Jyoti and INS Rana from the Eastern Fleet and Sri Lankan
Naval Ships SLNS Sayura and SLNS Vijayabahu (both Advance
Offshore Patrol Vessels).
Upon
arrival at the Port of Colombo, the commanding officers of INS Jyoti and INS
Rana called on Commander of the Western Naval Area (WNA), Rear Admiral Chandima
Silva RSP, USP, and discussed enhancing bilateral naval cooperation, and
sharing Best Practices. They also paid solemn tribute at the Indian Peace
Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honouring the brave Indian soldiers who
made the ultimate sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka between
1987 and 1990.
The
ships were opened to visitors, including personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy,
government officials, students, and members of the Indian diaspora. The
initiative offered a unique opportunity to showcase the operational
capabilities, technological advancements, and rich naval traditions of the
Indian Navy. Further, the initiative served to deepen mutual understanding,
promote maritime diplomacy, and strengthen people-to-people connections between
India and Sri Lanka.
The
exercise was conducted in two phases, the harbour phase at Colombo from 14-16
August 2025 and the sea phase from 17-18 August 2025. The activities
conducted during the harbour phase included professional interactions, exchange
of Best Practices, reciprocal training on firefighting, damage control,
aviation operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR),
friendly sports competitions and a pre-sail conference.
The
sea phase saw the successful execution of a wide range of advanced naval drills
that included joint exercises, gunnery firing serials, communication protocols,
navigation, as well as seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure
(VBSS), and fueling. These meticulously planned operations significantly
enhance interoperability, bolster tactical capabilities and reaffirm the shared
commitment to ensuring maritime security and stability.
The
deployment of Indian naval ships to Sri Lanka served as another chapter in the
growing India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership, contributing to stability and
security in line with the vision of Security and Growth for All in the
Region (SAGAR).
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