Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25)

The 12th edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) took place in Colombo from August 14 to 18, 2025, with the participation of Indian Naval Ships (INS) Rana, a guided missile destroyer, and Jyoti, a fleet tanker. The exercise, which began in 2005, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability between the two nations’ navies.

Exercise Phases and Participants

The SLINEX-25 was conducted in two phases:

• Harbour Phase (August 14–16): Held at Colombo Port, this phase focused on professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges, and sharing of best practices. It also included cultural and social events to build camaraderie between the navies. Sri Lankan Navy ships SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura participated alongside their Indian counterparts.
• Sea Phase (August 17–18): This phase involved joint drills and multi-faceted maritime operations in the waters off Colombo. The navies conducted exercises in gunnery, communication, navigation, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, as well as at-sea refueling. Special forces from both navies and Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters also took part.

Strategic Significance

SLINEX-25 is a key component of India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.

(Source: PIB)