Indo-Sri Lankan Naval Ex-SLINEX 2024 Concludes at Visakhapatnam

The 11th edition of the annual India-Sri Lanka Naval exercise SLINEX 24 concluded at Visakhapatnam on 20 December 2024. The Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy organised the annual SLINEX exercise from 17-20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam and in the Bay of Bengal.

Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

The first SLINEX exercise was held in 2005 and both the countries alternatively host the exercise. 

The 10th edition of the SLINEX exercise was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 03 - 08 April 2023.

Two-phase of SLINEX 24 Exercise

The SLINEX exercise is an exercise which is conducted in two phases: the Harbour phase and the Sea Phase.

Harbour Phase - The main aim of the Harbour phase of the Naval exercise is to strengthen the bonding between the Naval personnel of the participating Navies. During this phase, the personnel of both the Navies engaged in cultural activities, sports activities, etc.

Sea Phase - During the sea phase of the exercise both Navies engage in warship training by deploying their ships, use of live ammunition testing their naval strategies. 

In SLINEX 24 Special Forces of both navies participated in the sea phase of the exercise, tested their communications procedures, seamanship as well as navigation evolutions and helicopter operations. 

Ships Deployed in the SLINEX 24 Exercise 

The Indian Navy deployed INS Sumitra along with the Special Forces team.

INS Sumitra is a Saryu class patrol vessel of India constructed by Goa Shipyard and was commissioned in 2014.

The ship patrols the exclusive economic zones of the country and performs other tasks like anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, and escort operations.

Sri Lanka Navy was represented by an offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayura along with its Special Forces.

Mitra Shakti Exercise 

India and Sri Lanka also conduct a bilateral military exercise, Mitra Shakti. Initially, the Mitra Shakti was a military exercise in which the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army contingent participated.

From the 9th edition onwards the Air Force contingent of both the countries also started participating.

The Mitra Shakti exercise is an annual exercise that is hosted alternatively by the two countries.

The 10th edition of the Mitra Shakti was held in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka from 12- 25 August 2024.