SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka designed to improve interoperability, maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. Its harbour and sea phases support professional exchange and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Introduction
  • The SLINEX-24 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) is a bilateral naval exercise that will be conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
  • The exercise is a key component of the longstanding maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and has been an annual event since its inception in 2005.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE The primary aim of SLINEX-24 is to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies of India and Sri Lanka. The exercise seeks to:
  • Strengthen the maritime ties between both nations.
  • Promote a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
  • Improve the operational coordination of the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy through joint exercises.
  • Share best practices and professional exchanges to improve both navies’ capabilities.
PHASES OF THE EXERCISE SLINEX-24 will be conducted in two distinct phases:
  • Harbour Phase (17–18 December 2024):
    • This phase will take place at the harbor in Visakhapatnam.
    • Participants will engage in professional and social exchanges, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and fostering goodwill between the Indian and Sri Lankan naval personnel.
    • Objective: Strengthen interpersonal relationships and professional interaction between the two navies.
  • Sea Phase (19–20 December 2024):
    • This phase will be conducted at sea, where the focus will shift to practical joint exercises.
    • Activities Include:
      • Special Forces operations: Joint operations involving elite personnel.
      • Gun firings: Training in live-fire exercises for naval personnel.
      • Communication drills: Improving communication protocols between the two navies.
      • Seamanship practices: Enhancing the sailing and operational capabilities of both forces.
      • Navigation evolutions: Conducting advanced navigation and maneuvering drills.
      • Helicopter operations: Joint operations involving naval helicopters.

PARTICIPATING UNITS

  • India:
    • Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumitra: A Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, equipped with modern surveillance and defense systems.
    • Special Forces team: Personnel from the Indian Navy's Special Forces (Marine Commandos or MARCOS) will also participate in joint operations.
  • Sri Lanka:
    • SLNS Sayura: An Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Sri Lanka Navy, designed for coastal and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrols.
    • Special Forces team: A contingent from the Sri Lanka Navy's Special Forces will also participate in specialized operations alongside Indian forces.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

  • Inception: SLINEX was initiated in 2005 to foster closer defense and maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
  • The exercise has since evolved into an important platform for enhancing naval interoperability and professional exchanges between the two countries.
  • Expanding Scope: Over the years, SLINEX has expanded in scope, growing from a simple training exercise into a comprehensive bilateral naval cooperation event that now includes:
    • Complex special forces drills
    • Advanced naval tactics
    • Helicopter operations
    • Live fire drills
    • Search and rescue operations

2024 EDITION FOCUS

  • SLINEX-24 aims to further reinforce the already strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.
  • The sea phase will specifically enhance interoperability between the two navies, which is essential for maintaining a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
  • The growing scope of the exercise reflects both nations’ commitment to working together to address emerging maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Why in News Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) held from 14 to 18 August 2025.

SLINEX 25

Overview
  • Full Form: Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX)
  • Edition: 12th
  • First Held: 2005
  • Frequency: Biennial
  • Hosted by: Sri Lanka (2025), previously India (2024)
  • Previous Edition: SLINEX-24 (Visakhapatnam, India – 17–20 Dec 2024)

OBJECTIVE

  • Enhance interoperability and operational coordination
  • Promote maritime cooperation
  • Share best practices and professional experiences
  • Strengthen regional maritime security

PARTICIPATING NAVAL ASSETS

Indian Navy
  • INS Rana – Guided Missile Destroyer
  • INS Jyoti – Fleet Tanker
  • Indian Navy Special Forces
Sri Lankan Navy
  • SLNS Gajabahu – Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel
  • SLNS Vijayabahu – Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel
  • Sri Lankan Navy Special Forces

EXERCISE SCHEDULE

Harbour Phase (14–16 August 2025) – Colombo Activities:
  • Professional Interactions
  • Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)
  • Cultural and Social Exchanges
  • Yoga Sessions & Sports
  • Sharing of Best Practices
Exercises Include:
  • Gunnery Firing Drills
  • Seamanship Evolutions
  • Communication Protocols
  • Navigation Operations
  • VBSS (Visit Board Search and Seizure)
  • Fueling at Sea (RAS - Replenishment at Sea)

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

  • Reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
  • Supports SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
  • Reflects India’s MAHASAGAR Doctrine:
Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
  • Enhances India’s role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region

Why This Topic Matters for UPSC

  • Prelims: Revise definitions, institutions, locations, reports and factual features connected with Exercise SLINEX: India-Sri Lanka Naval Cooperation.
  • Mains: Link the topic with International Relations, Defence, Maritime Security and organise the answer under background, significance, challenges and way forward.
  • Interview: Explain the issue in balanced language and distinguish verified facts from opinion.

Key Takeaway

SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka designed to improve interoperability, maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. Its harbour and sea phases support professional exchange and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.