The bilateral Naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka – India Exercise 2024) was conducted from 17 – 20 December at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command in two phases. The harbour phase was held from 17 – 18 December and the sea phase from 19 – 20 December.
INS Sumitra of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team participated from the Indian side, whereas, SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with a Special Forces team participated from the Sri Lanka Navy.
The inaugural ceremony of the exercise was held on 17 December and followed by the Harbour Phase, during which, the participants engaged in professional and social exchanges. The Sea Phase commenced on 19 December, included joint exercises by Special Forces of both the navies, gun firings, communication procedures, seamanship as well as navigation evolutions and helicopter operations.
SLINEX series of bilateral exercises were initiated in 2005 and since then regular exercises have been conducted. The current edition of the exercise has further strengthened the ties between the two maritime neighbours and contributed towards creating a safe and rule-based Maritime domain thereby taking forward the GoI’s resolve and vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
