Indian and Sri Lankan Navies Complete SLINEX-26 Exercises

The Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy concluded SLINEX-26, the 13th edition of their bilateral maritime exercise, in Visakhapatnam on September 21, 2026. Running from September 17 to 21, the drills featured a Harbour Phase of professional interactions and cultural activities, followed by a Sea Phase focused on operational synergy, cross-deck visits, and Underway Replenishment training.

Participating vessels included the Sri Lankan warship SLNS Sindurala and two Indian ships: the indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kavaratti and the fleet tanker INS Jyoti. The exercise aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision for a secure and inclusive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean region. This engagement followed a broader series of joint military exercises involving troops from the United States and Japan to enhance Indo-Pacific security cooperation.

These naval drills followed a diplomatic push in early September, including a three-day operational visit by the INS Udaygiri to Colombo from September 8 to 11. During that period, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Sri Lanka to strengthen cooperation through training and the provision of equipment spares to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.