The 10th annual SLINEX-2023 bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka has commenced in Colombo, Sri Lanka has commenced in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases of three days each, the Harbour Phase followed by Sea Phase. The Indian Navy will be represented by INS Kiltan and INS Savitri while Sri Lanka Navy will have SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Samudura. In addition, Indian Navy Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft along with Sri Lanka Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters would also participate in the exercise. The exercise will also have the Special Forces of the two navies participate together.
SLINEX-2023 will aim to enhance inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures in multi-faceted Maritime operations between both the Navies. The Harbour Phase would include sports fixtures, yoga session and cultural events which would provide an opportunity for personnel from both navies to learn from each other, and re-enforce shared values as well as build bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
The annual maritime exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened cooperation in the maritime domain. Interaction between the navies of the two countries has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Hon’ble PM’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.
