India–Sri Lanka Conduct 12th Edition of Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘SLINEX 2025’ in Colombo.

The 12th edition of the bilateral naval exercise ‘SLINEX 2025’ between the Indian Navy (IN) and Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) was recently held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 14 to 18 August 2025. The exercise, conducted in Harbour and Sea phases, focused on strengthening maritime security and enhancing operational interoperability.

      - The exercise was conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase (14–16 August 2025) and the Sea Phase (17–18 August 2025). The Harbour Phase included Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), professional interactions, yoga sessions, sports engagements, and cultural programmes, while the Sea Phase witnessed advanced maritime drills such as gunnery firing, anti-submarine warfare, visit board search and seizure (VBSS), and search and rescue operations.

      - The Indian Navy deployed INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) and INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer), while the Sri Lanka Navy participated with SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu (Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels), and SLNS Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel). Additional participants included Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopters, BEL ALH Dhruv helicopters, and Special Forces from both navies.

      - SLINEX 2025 was conceptualised in 2005 and is aligned with India’s maritime policies—SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The exercise highlights India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects New Delhi’s emphasis on regional cooperation in line with its Neighbourhood First policy.

Main Point :-   (i) The exercise addressed conventional and non-traditional security challenges, including piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing. It also focused on coordinated operational drills, enhancing communication protocols, and building joint capacity to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) situations, making it crucial for safeguarding maritime trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.

      (ii) The previous edition, SLINEX 2024, was hosted by India at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from 17 to 20 December 2024. By alternating between Indian and Sri Lankan coasts, SLINEX ensures balanced participation and deeper understanding between the two navies.

(iii) Over the years, SLINEX has become a flagship naval engagement between India and Sri Lanka, fostering military diplomacy and strengthening ties under the broader framework of India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation agreements.
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