SLINEX-26: India–Sri Lanka Bilateral Naval Exercise
The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-26) is being conducted at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 17th–21st September 2026, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
About SLINEX
- SLINEX (Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise) is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy.
- It was conceptualised in 2005 and has evolved into an important platform for enhancing:
- Maritime cooperation
- Interoperability between the two navies
- Mutual understanding and trust between India and Sri Lanka
Phases of the Exercise
- Harbour Phase – Involves professional interactions, planning conferences, sports and cultural activities aimed at building camaraderie and mutual understanding.
- Sea Phase – Focuses on maritime coordination and interoperability, including joint operations, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres at sea.
Participating Platforms
- Indian Navy:
- INS Kavaratti – An indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvette, built under the Make in India initiative (part of the Kamorta-class corvettes, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata).
- INS Jyoti – A Fleet Tanker providing replenishment support at sea.
- Sri Lanka Navy:
- SLNS Sindurala
Significance
- The exercise is aligned with India's MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — which focuses on promoting a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- It reinforces India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) outlook, deepening defence cooperation with Sri Lanka.
- Enhances India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region amid growing strategic competition (e.g., China's expanding presence in the IOR, including at Hambantota Port).
Related Context for UPSC
- India–Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation: Includes joint exercises (SLINEX, Exercise Mitra Shakti for armies), training of Sri Lankan personnel in Indian defence institutions, and hydrographic cooperation.
- Other India–Sri Lanka engagements: Colombo Security Conclave (with Maldives, and now Bangladesh, Mauritius, Seychelles as members), trilateral maritime exercises.
- MAHASAGAR vs SAGAR: MAHASAGAR is an evolved/expanded articulation of the earlier SAGAR doctrine, emphasising broader regional security and growth cooperation across the Indian Ocean.