SLINEX 2024: Strengthening Sri Lanka-India Naval Ties

The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) is a significant annual event that fosters maritime cooperation between the two nations. Initiated in 2005, SLINEX has grown in scope and importance over the years, strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The 2024 edition of SLINEX will be held from December 17 to December 20, 2024, at Visakhapatnam under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, focusing on enhancing interoperability, strengthening mutual understanding, and promoting regional maritime security.

Key Points of SLINEX 2024

Dates and Location

• Duration: December 17 to December 20, 2024
• Location: Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command

Exercise Phases

Harbour Phase (17-18 December 2024)

• Focus on professional and social exchanges.
• Aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the participating naval forces.

Sea Phase (19-20 December 2024)

Joint exercises in various operational domains, such as,

• Special Forces operations
• Gun firings
• Communication drills
• Seamanship practices
• Navigation evolutions
• Helicopter operations

Participating Units

India

• Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra (Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet)
• Special Forces team

Sri Lanka

• SLNS Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel)
• Embarked Special Forces team

Significance of SLINEX

• Strengthening Maritime Cooperation: SLINEX 2024 aims to further enhance the maritime relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
• Interoperability: The exercise enables both navies to enhance their operational interoperability, sharing best practices and improving the coordination between the forces.
• Regional Security: It plays a pivotal role in fostering a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean region.

Inaugural Ceremony

• Scheduled on December 17, 2024, marking the start of the Harbour Phase.

Evolution of SLINEX

• Since its inception in 2005, the scope of SLINEX has grown, reflecting the evolving maritime challenges and the need for closer naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Objective of 2024 Edition

• To reinforce the strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• Promote a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime order in the region.