New Delhi: The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 concluded at Visakhapatnam on September 21, 2026, after being conducted from September 17 to 21. The exercise provided opportunities for professional interaction, exchange of best practices and enhancement of interoperability between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy.
Conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, SLINEX-26 comprised a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase. The exercise focused on strengthening operational coordination and maritime cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Indian and Sri Lankan Navies Participate in SLINEX-26
The Indian Navy participated in the exercise with the indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette INS Kavaratti and Fleet Tanker INS Jyoti, while the Sri Lanka Navy was represented by SLNS Sindurala.
The participation of naval platforms from both countries provided an opportunity for personnel to engage in professional exchanges and coordinated maritime activities.
The key participating platforms included:
- Indian Navy: INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti
- Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Sindurala
- Exercise location: Visakhapatnam
- Duration: September 17–21, 2026
- Edition: 13th edition of SLINEX
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Harbour Phase Focuses on Professional and Cultural Exchanges
The Harbour Phase of SLINEX-26 featured a range of professional and interaction-based activities between personnel of the two navies.
These included:
- Professional interactions between naval personnel
- Cross-deck visits
- Exchange of best practices
- Yoga activities
- Sporting events
- Cultural interactions
These activities supported greater mutual understanding and provided opportunities for personnel from both navies to interact beyond formal operational engagements.
Sea Phase Enhances Maritime Interoperability
The Harbour Phase was followed by the Sea Phase, which focused on coordinated activities at sea and enhancing operational synergy between the participating forces.
The Sea Phase included coordinated maritime manoeuvres, air operations and night replenishment at sea. It also featured Special Forces drills, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and slithering operations.
According to the Ministry of Defence, these activities provided opportunities for the participating forces to improve operational coordination and interoperability.
SLINEX Strengthens India-Sri Lanka Maritime Partnership
Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important platform for maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
Over the years, the bilateral exercise has provided a structured platform for both navies to engage in professional exchanges and coordinated maritime activities.
The 13th edition continued this engagement by combining professional interaction during the Harbour Phase with coordinated activities at sea during the Sea Phase.
Focus on a Secure and Stable Indian Ocean Region
SLINEX-26 also reflects the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise contributes to India’s MAHASAGAR vision and the Neighbourhood First policy through enhanced maritime cooperation, interoperability and capacity building.
The exercise further reinforces the longstanding maritime partnership between the two countries and supports cooperation aimed at maintaining a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.
SLINEX-26 Highlights Continued Bilateral Naval Engagement
The conclusion of SLINEX-26 marks another edition of the India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise aimed at strengthening professional ties and operational coordination between the two navies.
With its combination of harbour-based interactions and coordinated sea activities, the exercise provided opportunities for personnel from both sides to exchange practices, enhance interoperability and build greater familiarity in maritime operations.
The latest edition also reaffirmed the importance of continued maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the wider Indian Ocean region.
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