Indo-Lanka naval exercise to enhance interoperability

‘..in line with Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood first’ policy’

The Indian High Commission yesterday (03) said that the latest Indo-Lanka naval exercise under the SLINEX series illustrated the deep engagement between the two neighbours which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain.

The HC stated that interaction between the SLN and IN has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and PM’s Modi’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.

The 10th Edition of annual Indian Navy–Sri Lanka Navy bilateral maritime Exercise SLINEX-2023 got underway yesterday. It’ll end on April 08.

The HC statement: “The Exercise is being conducted in two phases; the Harbour Phase in Colombo from 3-5 April followed by Sea Phase from 6-8 April, off Colombo. The Indian Navy will be represented by INS Kiltan (Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol Vessel) while Sri Lanka Navy will have SLNS Gajabahu (Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel) and SLNS Sagara (OPV). In addition, Indian Navy Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft along with Sri Lanka Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters would also participate in the Exercise. The Exercise will also feature the Special Forces of the two Navies. The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted in Visakhapatnam from 7-12 March 2022.

SLINEX-2023 aims to enhance interoperability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices/procedures in multi-faceted Maritime operations between both Navies. The Harbour Phase would include sports fixtures, yoga session and cultural events which would provide an opportunity for personnel from both Navies to learn from each other, reinforce shared values and build bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Commander of Sri Lanka Navy Vice Adm. Priyantha Perera, along with Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K. Jacob took part in the opening of SLINEX-2023 on 3 April 2023. High Commissioner of India H Gopal Baglay is scheduled to host the visit of State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, onboard the indigenous Indian Naval ships.

Harbour training activities, SME interaction and training at HARD simulator will also be progressed during SLINEX 23. A reception for the Senior Officials from Sri Lanka will be hosted on board the Indian navy ships by the High Commissioner of India on 4 April. The Sea Phase would include Exercises in multi-dimensions like surface and anti-air firing Exercises, seamanship evaluations, helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft operations including cross deck flying, advance tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue and Special Forces operations at sea, which will further enhance the high degree of interoperability already established between the two friendly Navies.”