SLINEX-23, a bilateral maritime exercise between the navies of India and Sri Lanka, aims to increase mutual understanding, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices. The harbour phase of the 10th IN-SLN bilateral naval exercise is held in Colombo from April 3–8, and the sea phase is held from April 6–8.
The Indian Navy is represented by the indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette INS Kiltan and the offshore patrol ship INS Savitri. The SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara represent the Sri Lanka Navy. Both sides of the conflict participate in the exercise, as do Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters, and Special Forces. Visakhapatnam could fend off the previous SLINEX edition from March 7 to 12.
Several professional, cultural, sporting, and social events have been planned throughout the harbour phase to improve the relationships and camaraderie between the two fleets. The Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Vinod Jacob, opened the yearly bilateral naval exercise by noting that this is the first SLINEX to be held following the COVID-19 pandemic and that the two countries’ defence ties are currently at their strongest.
Jacob emphasized that the bilateral ties between the two countries enhance the strong political engagement, economic and commercial relations, people-to-people and cultural connections, and the improved development cooperation partnership. The Indian High Commission in Colombo also tweeted that this SLINEX was the first after the Indian Navy changed its Ensign and the first with Air Force and Special Forces participation.
