Indian and Sri Lankan Navies Begin SLINEX-25 Naval Exercise Sea Phase Off Colombo Coast

The sea phase of the twelfth edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) is currently underway in the western waters off Colombo, marking another important step in bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Two Indian Navy vessels – the fleet tanker INS Jyoti and the guided-missile destroyer INS Rana – are participating in the exercise alongside Sri Lankan Navy ships SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura.

Over the next two days, the participating navies will carry out a range of complex naval exercises including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, gunnery and screening drills, vertical replenishment, flashing exercises and fuelling at sea. These activities are designed to strengthen operational coordination and enhance interoperability between the two forces.

This ongoing sea phase follows a three-day harbour phase, which was held from August 14 to 16 at the Colombo Port. During the harbour phase, operational teams from both sides took part in joint briefings on communication procedures and security protocols, and also conducted helicopter training in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The harbour phase featured a number of professional interactions, sports events and yoga sessions, deepening mutual trust and camaraderie between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies. Local schoolchildren were also invited for guided tours of the Indian naval ships to provide them with first-hand insight into naval operations. Both INS Rana and INS Jyoti arrived in Colombo earlier this week for the commencement of SLINEX-25.

SLINEX, first launched in 2005, is regularly held to boost maritime cooperation, improve combined operational capabilities and share best practices between India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition was hosted by India in Visakhapatnam in December 2024.

SLINEX-25 Naval Exercise – Sea Phase Activities and Key Objectives

The sea phase of the SLINEX-25 naval exercise will be conducted from August 17 to 18 and will include gunnery firing drills, navigation exercises, refuelling at sea and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. Sri Lankan Navy ships SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu are joining the drills, along with Special Forces contingents from both countries. These activities aim to further enhance mutual operational proficiency and promote seamless coordination in maritime scenarios.

SLINEX-25 Naval Exercise – Strengthening Bilateral Maritime Cooperation

Officials from both sides noted that the SLINEX-25 naval exercise reflects the strong and enduring bilateral maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise is also aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policy, which emphasizes regional maritime security and cooperative growth.

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