Visakhapatnam, Sep 23: The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-26 concluded in Visakhapatnam on September 21 after five days of maritime cooperation and joint training, the Defence Ministry said.
The exercise, conducted from September 17 to 21, was aimed at strengthening operational coordination between the two navies through professional interactions, exchange of best practices and joint activities.
The harbour phase featured professional engagements between personnel of the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy. The programme also included cross-deck visits and sporting activities aimed at promoting greater interaction between the two forces.During the sea phase, the participating naval units carried out coordinated maritime manoeuvres and aviation-related activities.
The two sides also conducted night replenishment operations and special forces training.The special operations component included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills and slithering operations, providing personnel with opportunities to practise coordinated responses in maritime situations.
The Defence Ministry said the exercise contributed to improving interoperability and operational understanding between the two navies.
SLINEX-26 also underlined the longstanding maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and their shared interest in maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise forms part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with neighbouring countries and enhance cooperation in areas such as capacity building, operational coordination and maritime security.
