**Summary:**
The 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX25, successfully concluded in Colombo on August 18, 2025. The exercise, which reaffirms the shared commitment to maritime security, involved the participation of Indian naval ships INS Jyoti and INS Rana, and Sri Lankan naval ships SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu.
During the harbor phase (August 14-16), Commanding Officers from the Indian ships met with Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, Commander of the Western Naval Area, to discuss enhanced naval cooperation and best practices. They also paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial. The ships were opened to visitors to showcase the operational capabilities and naval traditions of the Indian Navy. Activities during this phase included professional interactions, reciprocal training on firefighting, damage control, aviation operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), sports competitions, and a pre-sail conference.
The sea phase (August 17-18) involved a range of advanced naval drills, including joint exercises, gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and fueling exercises. These operations enhanced interoperability and tactical capabilities. The exercise contributes to regional stability and security, aligning with the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.
Key Entities Referenced
SLINEX2025: The 12th edition of the India Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise.
India: A country participating in the SLINEX25 naval exercise.
Sri Lanka: A country participating in the SLINEX25 naval exercise.
Colombo: City in Sri Lanka, where SLINEX25 was concluded and the harbour phase was held.
INS Jyoti: Indian Naval Ship that participated in SLINEX25.
INS Rana: Indian Naval Ship that participated in SLINEX25.
SLNS Gajabahu: Sri Lankan Naval Ship that participated in SLINEX25.
SLNS Vijayabahu: Sri Lankan Naval Ship that participated in SLINEX25.
Ministry of Defence
CONCLUSION OF SLINEX-2025
Posted On: 21 AUG 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi
The 12th edition of the India - Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 successfully concluded at
Colombo on 18 Aug 2025, reaffirming shared commitment and maritime security. The current edition saw
the participation of Indian naval ships INS Jyoti and INS Rana from the Eastern Fleet and Sri Lankan
Naval Ships SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu (both Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels).
Upon arrival at the Port of Colombo, the Commanding Officers of INS Jyoti and INS Rana called on
Commander of the Western Naval Area (WNA), Rear Admiral Chandima Silva RSP, USP, and discussed
enhancing bilateral naval cooperation, and sharing Best Practices. They also paid solemn tribute at the Indian
Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honouring the brave Indian soldiers who made the ultimate
sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990.
The ships were opened to visitors, including personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy, government officials,
students, and members of the Indian diaspora. The initiative offered a unique opportunity to showcase the
operational capabilities, technological advancements, and rich naval traditions of the Indian Navy. Further, the
initiative served to deepen mutual understanding, promote maritime diplomacy, and strengthen people-to-
people connections between India and Sri Lanka.
The exercise was conducted in two phases, the harbour phase at Colombo from 14 to 16 Aug 25 and the
sea phase from 17 to 18 Aug 25. The activities conducted during the harbour phase included professional
interactions, exchange of Best Practices, reciprocal training on firefighting, damage control, aviation
operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), friendly sports competitions and a pre-
sail conference.
The sea phase saw the successful execution of a wide range of advanced naval drills that included joint
exercises, gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, as well as seamanship evolutions,
Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and fueling. These meticulously planned operations significantly
enhance interoperability, bolsters tactical capabilities and reaffirms the shared commitment to ensuring
maritime security and stability.
The deployment of Indian naval ships to Sri Lanka served as another chapter in the growing India-Sri Lanka
maritime partnership, contributing to stability and security in line with the vision of Security and Growth for
All in the Region (SAGAR).*****
VM/SPS
(Release ID: 2159316)