India, Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX

Context

The Ninth Edition of India - Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX (Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise) is scheduled at Visakhapatnam from 07 Mar to 10 Mar 2022. 

• The exercise is being conducted in two phases; 
• the Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam 
• the Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal

What is SLINEX?

• SLINEX aims to enhance inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations between both navies. 
• The Harbour Phase would include professional, cultural, sporting and social exchanges.
• SLINEX exemplifies the deep maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka and has grown in scope over the years to strengthen mutual cooperation, in consonance with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.

About the participants

• Sri Lanka Navy is to be represented by SLNS Sayurala, an advanced offshore patrol vessel.
• The Indian Navy is to be represented by INS Kirch, a guided missile corvette. 
• Other participants from the Indian Navy include INS Jyoti, a Fleet support tanker, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Seaking and Chetak Helicopters, and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft.