It focused on enhancing inter-operability and exchanging best practices for maritime cooperation

The 9th Edition of the annual Indian Navy – Sri Lanka Navy joint bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX being held at the Naval Dockyard of Vishakhapatnam and in the Bay of Bengal concluded on Thursday.

The exercise comprised two phases, the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.

The Indian Navy was represented by the Corvette INS Kirch, Fleet Support Tanker INS Jyoti, several helicopters and a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft.

Sri Lankan Navy Ship Sayurala took part in the bilateral naval exercise.

According to a statement by the Sri Lankan Navy, SLINEX focused on enhancing inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for maritime cooperation between both navies.

The Harbour Phase of the exercise was held at the Naval Dockyard of Visakhapatnam on March 7-8. Cultural, professional, social, and sporting exchanges took place under the Harbour Phase.

The Sea Phase of SLINEX was conducted on March 9-10 in the Bay of Bengal.

Surface and anti-air weapon firing, aviation operations including cross deck flying, advanced tactical manoeuvres, replenishment at sea (RAS) and Special Forces operations including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises were demonstrated as part of the sea phase, the Sri Lankan Navy statement said.

The 9th edition of SLINEX was a great opportunity for both navies to enhance mutual understanding in bilateral naval operations and exchange best practices and procedures, the statement further stated.

Besides, such engagements will greatly assist when overcoming common maritime security challenges in the region, the Sri Lankan Navy statement mentioned.