The recent SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka - India Exercise 2024) has concluded, highlighting the ever-growing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Conducted from December 17 to 20, 2024, at Visakhapatnam, this bilateral naval exercise aims to bolster security and partnership amid the shifting dynamics of the Indian Ocean.
The exercise, which comprised two distinct phases—harbour and sea—was initiated under the aegis of India's Eastern Naval Command. The harbour phase, held from December 17 to 18, focused on professional exchanges and fostering camaraderie among personnel of both navies. On the Indian side, the INS Sumitra, accompanied by a Special Forces team, represented the country, whereas Sri Lanka was represented by the SLNS Sayura, along with its Special Forces team.
The seas came alive on December 19 and 20, when the sea phase showcased various joint military operations. The two navies participated actively, engaging in gun firings, communication procedures, navigation exercises, and helicopter operations. These joint maneuvers aimed to refine the operational readiness and tactical skills of both nations’ maritime forces.
SLINEX exercises have been conducted regularly since their inception in 2005, consistently growing in complexity and significance. This year's edition not only strengthened bilateral naval ties but also addressed pressing maritime challenges such as illegal activities at sea and responses to natural disasters. The Ministry of Defence expressed its commitment, stating, "The current edition of the exercise has... taken forward the Government of India’s resolve and vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)." This sentiment reflects the strong narrative of cooperation driving the exercises.
Further underlining the depth of India-Sri Lanka relations, subsequent to SLINEX 2024, two Indian Coast Guard ships, ICGS Vaibhav and ICGS Abhiraj, made goodwill visits to Colombo on December 23, which enhanced the maritime cooperation between the neighboring countries. During this visit, commanding officers engaged with their counterparts from the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard, featuring joint exercise SAGAREX24, onboard training, and professional exchanges.
This spirit of maritime collaboration extends beyond SLINEX. Earlier this year, the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarine, INS Vela, made its presence felt during a port call at Colombo, ceremonially welcomed by the Defence Advisor. The submarine's deployment and the visit of the frontline destroyer, INS Mumbai, which occurred on August 26, 2024, were foundational to the delivery of spares, support, and equipment for the Sri Lankan Air Force’s Dornier surveillance aircraft.
Such continual engagement demonstrates India's steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner to Sri Lanka, particularly as the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly significant amid geopolitical competition. With naval exercises and cooperation as cornerstones of this relationship, India and Sri Lanka are successfully establishing frameworks to address common security concerns and enhancing regional stability.
Naval engagements like SLINEX are pivotal for shaping the security architecture of the region, evidence of proactive regional diplomacy, and responsiveness to the surrounding challenges. The mutual interests shared by the navies reflect a strategic partnership underpinned by trust and shared responsibilities. This relationship is set to deepen as both countries navigate the intricacies of regional waters together.
