Visakhapatnam: The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, concluded at Visakhapatnam on September 21 after five days of joint training and operational engagements between the two navies.
Conducted from September 17 to 21, the exercise focused on strengthening interoperability, sharing operational best practices and enhancing coordination between the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy.
The harbour phase featured professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and sporting activities involving personnel from both navies.
The sea phase included a series of coordinated maritime manoeuvres and operational drills. These included air operations, night replenishment at sea and Special Forces exercises.
The participating forces also conducted Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and slithering operations, providing an opportunity to practise maritime security procedures and improve operational coordination.
The exercise provided personnel from both navies with opportunities for professional interaction and exchange of experience while strengthening their ability to operate together in maritime contingencies.
SLINEX-26 underscores the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and their shared interest in maintaining a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise also contributes to India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its Neighbourhood First policy by promoting maritime cooperation, interoperability and capacity building with regional partners.
