The bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 24, was successfully conducted from December 17-20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command.
The exercise, which has been a regular feature since its inception in 2005, was held in two phases: the Harbour Phase from December 17-18, followed by the Sea Phase from December 19-20.
INS Sumitra from the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team, represented India. On the Sri Lankan side, the SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with its Special Forces team, participated.
The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies and strengthen maritime cooperation.
The inaugural ceremony took place on December 17, marking the beginning of the Harbour Phase, which involved professional and social exchanges between the participants.
During the Sea Phase, both navies conducted joint exercises that included gun firings, communication procedures, seamanship, navigation evolutions, helicopter operations, and Special Forces training.
The SLINEX series of exercises, initiated in 2005, has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
This year’s edition further strengthened the maritime ties between the two nations and reinforced a safe, rule-based maritime domain, aligned with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
