Key Highlights
Exercise: SLINEX-26
Edition: 13th
Venue: Visakhapatnam
Dates: 17–21 September 2026
Indian Navy: INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti
Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Sindurala
The exercise consists of two phases:
Harbour Phase
Sea Phase
Harbour Phase
Professional interactions between naval personnel
Cross-deck visits
Sharing of best practices
Yoga and sporting activities
Cultural exchanges
Sea Phase
Coordinated activities at sea
Operational synergy
Enhancing interoperability between the two navies
Joint maritime training and professional exchanges
About SLINEX
SLINEX is the bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
It was conceptualised in 2005.
It provides a platform for:
Maritime cooperation
Interoperability
Mutual understanding
Sharing of best practices
Strategic Significance
Indian Ocean maritime security
India and Sri Lanka are important maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean. Greater naval cooperation contributes to regional maritime security.
Interoperability
Joint exercises allow both navies to familiarise themselves with each other's procedures and improve coordination during maritime operations.
MAHASAGAR vision
SLINEX-26 supports India's MAHASAGAR vision, which seeks greater cooperation for a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.
India–Sri Lanka maritime partnership
The exercise reinforces the long-standing maritime relationship between the two countries.
Capacity building
Regular professional exchanges and joint exercises help improve the operational capabilities and preparedness of both navies.
Challenges
Differences in operational procedures and capabilities.
Need for continuous maritime-domain information sharing.
Increasing traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges.
Requirement for sustained cooperation beyond periodic exercises.
Way Forward
Increase the frequency of joint maritime exercises.
Strengthen maritime domain awareness and information sharing.
Expand cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and search-and-rescue operations.
Improve interoperability through specialised training.
Continue professional and institutional exchanges between the two navies.
Conclusion
SLINEX-26 represents the continuing maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Through professional exchanges and coordinated activities at sea, the exercise contributes to enhanced interoperability, maritime cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean.
