India and Sri Lanka Conduct 13th Edition of Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX-26 in Visakhapatnam

KOCHI:  The 13th edition of the annual Sri Lanka-India Bilateral Maritime Exercise, SLINEX-26, was successfully conducted at Visakhapatnam from September 17 to 21, 2026. The five-day naval engagement comprised a structured Harbour Phase followed by an intense Sea Phase, designed to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance tactical interoperability, and build mutual trust between the two neighboring navies. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a premier Fleet Tanker, while the Sri Lanka Navy deployed its Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sindurala. Organized under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, the Harbour Phase commenced with a formal opening ceremony and welcome reception onboard INS Kavaratti, featuring professional subject matter exchanges, cross-deck visits, best-practice sharing, joint yoga sessions, sports competitions, and cultural interactions. The subsequent Sea Phase focused on high-tempo operational drills, surface weapon firings, seamanship maneuvers, and tactical communication exercises at sea. Aligned with India’s overarching vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), SLINEX-26 reinforces India’s steadfast commitment to maintaining a secure, stable, and inclusive maritime domain while deepening the enduring strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.