SLINEX-23: Indian & Sri Lankan navies to engage in complex maritime operations

SLINEX-23, the 10th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka, is taking place in Colombo from April 3 to 8, 2023.

The exercise is being organized into two phases: the harbour phase will take place from April 3-April 5, 2023, and the sea phase will take place from April 6-April 8, 2023. Additionally, professional, cultural, and sports events, as well as social interactions, are planned during the harbour phase to further cement the connections of friendship and camaraderie between the two fleets.

INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette, and INS Savitri, an offshore patrol vessel, are representing the Indian Navy, while SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara are representing the Sri Lankan Navy. Additionally, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and special forces from both sides are also taking part in the exercise.

SLINEX's main goals are to improve communication, mutual understanding, and the sharing of best practices when working together on complex maritime operations.

At the SLINEX2023 opening ceremony, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Vinod K Jacob highlighted that this was the first SLINEX after the COVID-19 pandemic, the first since the Indian Navy changed its emblem, and the first to include the Air Force and Special Forces.

Defence ties between India and Sri Lanka are currently at their best given their strong political engagement, economic and commercial links, people-to-people and cultural connections, and an improved development cooperation partnership, he added.