The Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy are conducting the 13th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, at Visakhapatnam from September 17 to 21, 2026. The exercise brings together Indian naval ships INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti along with Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Sindurala to strengthen maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two countries.
SLNS Sindurala arrived at Visakhapatnam on September 17 to participate in the exercise. The visiting Sri Lankan naval vessel was formally welcomed by the Indian Navy following naval traditions. On September 18, the Commanding Officer of SLNS Sindurala, Captain Sunanda Appuhamy, held official discussions with Commander Suraj Aiyappa, the Commanding Officer of INS Kavaratti, as part of the engagement between the two navies.
The Indian Navy is participating in SLINEX-26 with INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. SLNS Sindurala represents the Sri Lanka Navy. The exercise is being conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command and consists of a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase.
The Harbour Phase includes professional interactions between personnel from both navies, cross-deck visits, exchange of best practices, and a range of sporting, yoga and cultural activities. These engagements are intended to promote greater understanding and professional cooperation between the participating naval personnel.
The subsequent Sea Phase focuses on coordinated activities at sea, with an emphasis on improving operational synergy and interoperability. Through these activities, the two navies are working to enhance their ability to operate together and strengthen practical maritime cooperation.
Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has developed into an important platform for regular maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise provides both navies with opportunities to exchange professional experience, improve interoperability and deepen their understanding of maritime operations.
SLINEX-26 is also aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and reflects the two countries’ continued focus on maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The exercise further supports the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and their shared interest in maintaining a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.