Exercise SLINEX-23, India- Sri Lanka Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise

SLINEX-23: it is India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding, and the exchange of best practices between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies while conducting diverse maritime operations collaboratively. Ex SLINEX-23 is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Security- Security challenges and their management in border areas).

Exercise SLINEX-23 in News

SLINEX-23, the tenth iteration of the IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise, is set to take place in Colombo between April 3rd and April 8th, 2023.

Ex SLINEX 2023

The ongoing India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-23, is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from April 3-5, 2023, and the Sea Phase from April 6-8, 2023.

• The Indian Navy’s representation comprises INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette, and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.
• Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy is being represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara.
• Both sides will also deploy Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters, and Special Forces for the exercise.
• Notably, the preceding SLINEX exercise was held from March 7-12, 2022, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Exercise SLINEX 2023 Significance

The primary goal of SLINEX is to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and the exchange of best practices between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies while conducting diverse maritime operations collaboratively. In addition to the maritime operations, the harbour phase also includes professional, cultural, and sporting events, as well as social exchanges to strengthen the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between the two navies.

What is Exercise SLINEX?

Exercise SLINEX is a naval exercise conducted between Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy. SLINEX series of bilateral maritime exercises were initiated in 2005.

• Objective: SLINEX aims to enhance inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations between both navies.
• Significance:
  • SLINEX exemplifies the deep maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka and has grown in scope over the years to strengthen mutual cooperation.
  • SLINEXX is also in consonance with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Hon’ble PMs vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.

Paschim Lehar (XPL-2022) Exercise