The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) is an annual bilateral exercise aimed at fostering maritime cooperation and strengthening the naval relationship between the two neighboring nations. First initiated in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into a significant event that addresses modern maritime challenges. The 2024 edition of SLINEX will be held from December 17 to December 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, focusing on enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding, and promoting a secure maritime environment. This blog covers all the key aspects of SLINEX 2024, including its significance, objectives, and participating units.
Key Details of SLINEX 2024
Dates and Location
- Duration: December 17 to December 20, 2024.
- Location: Visakhapatnam, hosted by India’s Eastern Naval Command.
Exercise Phases
Harbour Phase (December 17-18, 2024)
- Focus on:
- Professional exchanges to share operational expertise.
- Social interactions to enhance mutual understanding between naval forces.
Sea Phase (December 19-20, 2024)
- Joint operational exercises in the following domains:
- Special Forces operations.
- Gun firings.
- Communication drills.
- Seamanship practices.
- Navigation evolutions.
- Helicopter operations.
Participating Units
India
- INS Sumitra: A Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel from the Eastern Fleet.
- Special Forces team: Participating in operations and drills.
Sri Lanka
- SLNS Sayura: An Offshore Patrol Vessel.
- Embarked Special Forces team: Engaged in collaborative operations.
Significance of SLINEX 2024
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
- SLINEX 2024 emphasizes the importance of strong naval ties between India and Sri Lanka.
- Promotes the exchange of best practices and collaborative approaches to maritime challenges.
Enhancing Interoperability
- The exercise improves operational coordination between the two navies.
- Facilitates seamless collaboration during joint missions and maritime security operations.
Promoting Regional Security
- Focuses on establishing a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Contributes to regional stability amid evolving security threats.
SLINEX 2024: Historical Evolution
- Inception: First held in 2005, SLINEX has grown in scope and complexity, reflecting the evolving maritime challenges in the IOR.
- Broader Objective: To enhance naval capabilities, reinforce bilateral ties, and address both traditional and non-traditional security concerns.
Key Highlights of SLINEX 2024
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise – 24) |
| Dates | December 17 to December 20, 2024 |
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Eastern Naval Command |
| Phases | Harbour Phase: Dec 17-18; Sea Phase: Dec 19-20 |
| Participating Units | India: INS Sumitra, Special Forces; Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, Special Forces |
| Sea Phase Activities | Special Forces ops, gun firings, communication drills, helicopter operations, seamanship practices |
| Significance | Strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, regional security |
| Year of Inception | 2005 |
| Objective of 2024 Edition | Reinforce maritime ties and promote regional security |
FAQs about SLINEX 2024
1. What is SLINEX?
SLINEX stands for the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise, an annual event aimed at fostering naval cooperation and interoperability between India and Sri Lanka.
2. What is the objective of SLINEX 2024?
The 2024 edition focuses on reinforcing strong maritime ties, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting regional security in the Indian Ocean Region.
3. Where is SLINEX 2024 being held?
SLINEX 2024 will be conducted in Visakhapatnam, hosted by the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
4. What activities are conducted during the exercise?
The exercise is divided into two phases:
- Harbour Phase: Professional and social exchanges.
- Sea Phase: Special Forces operations, gun firings, helicopter operations, communication drills, and seamanship practices.
5. Why is SLINEX significant?
SLINEX strengthens the bilateral naval relationship, enhances operational interoperability, and contributes to maintaining a secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean.
SLINEX 2024 represents a vital step in strengthening the naval partnership between India and Sri Lanka. By focusing on interoperability, collaborative operations, and regional security, the exercise underscores the importance of fostering maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. As the scope of SLINEX continues to grow, it reflects the commitment of both nations to addressing evolving maritime challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region.
