SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Naval Exercise

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Key takeaways

The 13th edition of the bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-26 between India and Sri Lanka is being hosted at Visakhapatnam from 17th to 21st September 2026.
First launched in 2005, SLINEX has completed 21 years of strengthening maritime operational cooperation between the two navies.
The Indian Navy deployed INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti, while the Sri Lanka Navy deployed SLNS Sindurala for the exercise.
SLINEX-26 directly supports India's regional maritime policy frameworks, specifically the MAHASAGAR vision and the SAGAR initiative.

The 13th edition of the annual bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy is being conducted at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 17th to 21st September 2026.
The exercise is taking place under the operational command of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy.

SLINEX is a flagship bilateral naval exercise that was first conceptualised and launched in 2005.
Over the last two decades, it has evolved from basic seamanship drills into an advanced, multi-dimensional exercise involving surface warships and maritime aircraft.
The exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation, build mutual trust, share best naval practices, and improve joint tactical skills to tackle common non-traditional maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
The exercise is divided into two phases: a Harbour Phase focused on professional interactions and cultural exchanges, followed by an intensive Sea Phase for tactical drills.
Participating naval forces practice complex seamanship operations, tactical communications, maritime interdiction, search-and-rescue operations, and coordinated anti-submarine tactics.
The Indian Navy is participating with INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker, while the Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala.

The exercise strengthens India's Neighbourhood First policy by deepening defence ties and maritime cooperation across the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar.
It is directly aligned with India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework.
The joint drills build stronger capacities to combat maritime piracy, illegal trafficking, and irregular migration in shared waters.
It also improves joint readiness and operational coordination for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions across the Indian Ocean.