SLINEX 2024 India Sri-Lanka Naval Drill in Visakhapatnam

The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka-India Exercise 2024) was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. This annual exercise is a significant platform to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and ensure a safe, rule-based maritime domain in the Indian Ocean. SLINEX 24 was conducted in two phases—Harbour Phase and Sea Phase—and featured participation from both navies’ Special Forces and key naval vessels.

Key Highlights of The SLINEX 2024

Exercise Details

• Location: Visakhapatnam, India
• Dates: December 17-20, 2024
• Conducted By: Eastern Naval Command

Phases of The Exercise

• Harbour Phase: December 17-18, 2024
• Sea Phase: December 19-20, 2024

Participants

• India: INS Sumitra (Eastern Fleet) and a Special Forces team
• Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and a Special Forces team

Inaugural and Harbour Face and Sea Phase Activities

• The inaugural ceremony took place on December 17, 2024.
• Harbour Phase activities (Dec 17-18)
• Professional exchanges
• Social interactions
• Sea Phase
• Held from December 19-20, 2024, focusing on:
• Joint exercises by Special Forces
• Gun firings
• Communication procedures
• Seamanship and navigation evolutions
• Helicopter operations

Historical Context

• Initiated in 2005, the SLINEX series of bilateral exercises has been conducted regularly to strengthen maritime ties.

Key Outcomes

• Enhanced interoperability between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
• Strengthened maritime cooperation, contributing to regional security.
• Furthered India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.