India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise – SLINEX-2023

April 4, 2023

SLINEX-2023 is the 10th edition of the annual India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise. The exercise is aimed at improving mutual understanding, enhancing interoperability, and exchanging best practices/procedures in multi-faceted maritime operations between both Navies.

The exercise features two phases i.e., the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase is being organized in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April 3-5, followed by the Sea Phase from April 6-8, off Colombo.

Bilateral Cooperation and the Importance of SLINEX-2023

India and Sri Lanka have a long-standing bilateral relationship, particularly in the maritime domain. The cooperation between the two nations has been robust, covering various areas such as political engagement, economic and commercial ties, people-to-people connections, and cultural exchanges.

The bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-2023, is a testament to the strong ties between the two countries. It aims to further enhance the cooperation between the two navies and reinforce the shared values and bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

Participation and Highlights of SLINEX-2023

Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Vinod Jacob took part in the opening of the exercise on April 3. He highlighted the importance of the exercise and its firsts – the first SLINEX held after the COVID-19 pandemic, the first after the Indian Navy changed its Ensign, and the first with the participation of Air Force and Special Forces.

The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kiltan, an Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Gajabahu, an Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel, and SLNS Sagara, an OPV.

Besides these vessels, the exercise will also feature Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Indian Navy Chetak helicopter, Sri Lanka Air Force Dornier, and BEL 412 helicopters. The special forces of the two navies will also participate in the exercise.

The SLINEX’s previous edition was organized in Visakhapatnam from March 7-12 last year. This year’s exercise is expected to further strengthen the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two navies.

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