India and Sri Lanka Begin 13th Edition of SLINEX-26 Bilateral Naval Exercise at Visakhapatnam

Key facts

• The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 began in Visakhapatnam on September 17, 2026, conducted under the Eastern Naval Command until September 21.
• The exercise comprises a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase, focusing on operational interoperability and maritime cooperation.
• The Indian Navy is represented by the indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare corvette INS Kavaratti and fleet tanker INS Jyoti, while the Sri Lanka Navy deployed SLNS Sindurala.
• The Harbour Phase includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, exchange of best practices, Yoga, and sporting and cultural activities.
• First conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX is aligned with India's MAHASAGAR vision and aims to contribute to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.