The 13th edition of the India–Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, concluded at Visakhapatnam on 21 September 2026, following five days of training and professional engagement from 17–21 September 2026.
The exercise provided both navies with valuable opportunities for professional interaction, exchange of best practices, and enhancement of operational interoperability.
The Harbour Phase included professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and sporting activities involving personnel from the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy.
During the Sea Phase, the participating forces conducted coordinated maritime manoeuvres, air operations, night replenishment-at-sea, and Special Forces drills, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and slithering operations. These activities strengthened operational coordination and further enhanced interoperability between the two navies.
SLINEX-26 underscores the strong maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka and their shared commitment to maintaining a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region. The exercise also supports India’s MAHASAGAR vision and its Neighbourhood First policy by promoting maritime cooperation, interoperability, and capacity building.
