SRI LANKA-INDIA JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE SLINEX-25 CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY

The 12th bilateral naval exercise between Sri Lanka and India, SLINEX-25, has successfully concluded in the western seas off the coast of Colombo.

The annual exercise, aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies as key partners dedicated to the security of the Indian Ocean region, saw the participation of Sri Lanka Navy offshore patrol vessels SLNS Vijayabahu and Sayura, along with a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 412 helicopter. The Indian side was represented by the Indian Navy's tanker 'INS Jyoti' and the destroyer 'INS Rana'.

This highly professional exercise, which was successfully conducted in both harbor and sea phases, strengthened the operational coordination and readiness of the two navies.

Parallel to the exercise, India's Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, observed the participating Indian naval vessels. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and the commanding officers of the Indian ships also paid floral tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial in Battaramulla. Additionally, Indian Navy personnel participated in various programs organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two navies, including training exchange programs, sports events, and tours to local tourist destinations.

The enhanced cooperation and interoperability gained from this joint naval exercise will be a great support for the Indian and Sri Lankan navies in successfully managing common maritime challenges and new trends, including non-traditional maritime threats, and for fostering a stable Indian Ocean region.