December 27, Colombo (LNW): The 2024 edition of the joint naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, SLINEX 24, took place from December 17 to 20 in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, organised under the leadership of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.
This year’s exercise unfolded in two key stages: the Harbour Phase, which ran from December 17 to 18, and the Sea Phase, held from December 19 to 20.
The Harbour Phase provided an opportunity for personnel from both navies to engage in a range of professional exchanges, fostering camaraderie through collaborative interactions.
The Indian Navy’s contribution included INS Sumitra from its Eastern Fleet, alongside a Special Forces contingent, while Sri Lanka was represented by the Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sayura, and its own Special Forces team.
The inaugural ceremony on December 17 marked the official commencement of the Harbour Phase, setting the tone for a series of cooperative engagements between the two nations.
As the exercise transitioned to the Sea Phase, from December 19, both countries’ Special Forces teams participated in joint exercises at sea, sharpening their operational capabilities.
Activities in this phase included live gun firing drills, communication exercises, seamanship and navigation evolutions, as well as helicopter operations, which tested the naval personnel’s skills in a variety of challenging maritime scenarios.
SLINEX, which was first initiated in 2005, has grown into a crucial platform for strengthening the strategic maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.
This year’s exercise demonstrated the deepening collaboration between the two nations, enhancing mutual understanding and operational readiness.
The exercise has also reinforced the importance of a secure and rules-based maritime environment, in line with India’s broader vision of “Security And Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).
