India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise SLINEX-25 Enters Sea Phase off Colombo with Joint Drills and Maritime Operations

SLINEX-25: India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise – Sea Phase Underway

Context:

• The twelfth edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) is ongoing in western waters off Colombo.
• Indian Navy Ships: INS Jyoti (fleet tanker), INS Rana (destroyer)
• Sri Lanka Navy Ships: SLNS Vijayabahu, SLNS Sayura

Activities During Sea Phase (Next Two Days):

• Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations
• Gunnery and screening exercises
• Vertical replenishment & fuelling approaches
• Flashing exercises

Harbour Phase (14–16 August 2025) Highlights:

• Joint briefings on communications and security protocols
• Helicopter training with Sri Lanka Air Force
• Professional exchanges, sports competitions, and yoga sessions
• Schoolchildren visits to Indian Navy ships for exposure to naval operations

Significance:

• Enhances maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka
• Promotes interoperability and tactical coordination among naval forces
• Strengthens bilateral relations and people-to-people connections through cultural and educational activities

UPSC Perspective:

• Demonstrates India’s naval diplomacy and strategic partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Example of capacity building in maritime security operations
• Relevant for questions on India’s foreign policy, defence cooperation, and maritime strategy
  
  Updated August 18, 2025 11:01 AM, newsonair