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The twelfth edition of the Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) entered its sea phase on 17 August 2025, taking place in the western waters off Colombo.
This year’s drills feature two powerful Indian Navy vessels—the tanker-class INS Jyoti and the destroyer-class INS Rana—operating alongside the Sri Lanka Navy’s SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura. Designed to enhance cooperation, the exercise focuses on building tactical interoperability between the two navies.
Over the two-day sea phase (17–18 August), both sides will engage in a range of advanced maritime operations, including Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Screening, Flashing, Gunnery Exercises, Vertical Replenishment, and Fuelling Approaches.
The sea phase follows a successful harbour phase (14–16 August) at Colombo Port, which included communication and security briefings, training on helicopter operations with the Sri Lanka Air Force, as well as cultural and sporting exchanges. Schoolchildren were also given guided tours of Indian Navy ships, offering them a rare look into naval operations.
Exercises such as SLINEX are vital for enhancing maritime security, strengthening regional cooperation, and equipping both navies to tackle evolving challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
