India and Sri Lanka Conduct SLINEX-26 Maritime Exercise

The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, was held from 17 to 21 September 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India. The exercise involved the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy and was conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

SLINEX Exercise

SLINEX stands for Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise and is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the two navies. The exercise began in 2005 and has been conducted regularly to build naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Participating Naval Units

The Indian Navy participated with two indigenous warships, INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti. INS Kavaratti is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, while INS Jyoti is a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy participated with SLNS Sindurala.

Phases and Objectives

SLINEX-26 was organised in two phases, namely the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase included professional interactions, while the Sea Phase included operational activities and coordinated maritime operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
• Visakhapatnam is a major Indian naval base on the eastern coast.
• INS Kavaratti belongs to the Kamorta-class of Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes.
• MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Strategic Context

SLINEX-26 aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The exercise is linked with maritime security, interoperability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.