Indian Naval Ships Arrive in Sri Lanka for SLINEX-25
Indian Naval Ships INS Rana, a Guided Missile Destroyer, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker, have arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to participate in the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25). The exercise, scheduled from August 14 to 18, 2025, aims to enhance interoperability, maritime cooperation, and exchange best practices between the two navies.
The exercise is a bilateral naval exercise conceptualized in 2005 to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition was held in Visakhapatnam, India, from December 17 to 20, 2024.
The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The Harbour phase will include professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), sharing of best practices, cultural and social exchanges, yoga sessions, and sporting events. The Sea phase will include naval drills such as gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and fueling at sea.
The Sri Lankan Navy will be represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, both Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels. Special Forces of both navies will also participate in the exercise.
The SLINEX maritime exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka, strengthening cooperation in the maritime domain and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment.
