New Delhi: Strengthening regional maritime ties, Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25), scheduled from 14 to 18 August 2025. Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has become a cornerstone for India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, deepening partnership and enhancing interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region over two decades.
Overview of SLINEX-25
SLINEX is a flagship bilateral naval exercise that aims to promote:
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Interoperability between the two navies
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Exchange of best operational practices
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Joint execution of multi-faceted maritime operations
The previous edition (SLINEX-24) was held at Visakhapatnam, India, from 17 to 20 December 2024, further reinforcing mutual trust and learning.
Key Participants
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Indian Navy: INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker)
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Sri Lankan Navy: SLNS Gajabahu & SLNS Vijayabahu (Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels)
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Special Forces from both navies
Structure of the Exercise
Harbour Phase: 14–16 August 2025, Colombo
This initial phase is centered around shore-based professional and cultural activities, including:
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Professional interactions and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)
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Sharing of operational best practices
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Social and cultural exchanges
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Sporting events and yoga sessions
Such engagements foster strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies.
Sea Phase: 17–18 August 2025
The focus shifts to real-world maritime drills at sea, including:
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Gunnery firing serials
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Tactical communication protocols
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Complex navigation and seamanship evolutions
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Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations
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Fueling at sea maneuvers
These activities are designed to enhance operational synergy and prepare both navies for joint responses to maritime challenges.
Strategic Significance of Indian Naval Ships
SLINEX exemplifies the depth of India-Sri Lanka defense cooperation within the policy framework of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR). The exercise reaffirms India’s commitment to partnerships that promote regional maritime security, capacity building, and collective growth.
Conclusion
SLINEX-25 continues to serve as a vital platform for Indo-Sri Lankan naval collaboration, sharing operational expertise, and bolstering preparedness for contemporary maritime challenges. As both navies participate in advanced exercises and shared activities, they set an encouraging precedent for regional security, mutual respect, and holistic development in the Indian Ocean.
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Source: PIB
