India and Sri Lanka have begun the 10th edition of their annual bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-2023. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, improve mutual understanding, and exchange best practices and procedures in multi-faceted maritime operations between both navies.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases, with the Harbour Phase taking place in Colombo from April 3-5, followed by the Sea Phase from April 6-8, off Colombo.
The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kiltan (Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol Vessel), while the Sri Lanka Navy has SLNS Gajabahu (Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel) and SLNS Sagara (OPV).
The Indian Navy Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as Sri Lanka Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters, are also participating in the exercise. The special forces of the two navies are also featured in the exercise.
This is the first SLINEX held after the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Vinod Jacob, who took part in the opening of the exercise, noted that the defense, ties between India and Sri Lanka are at their "strongest at present.
He stressed that the bilateral ties between the two nations complement the robust engagement at the political level, the economic and commercial ties, people-to-people and cultural connections and an upgraded development cooperation partnership.
The Harbour Phase includes sports fixtures, a yoga session, and cultural events, providing an opportunity for personnel from both navies to learn from each other, reinforce shared values, and build bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, is scheduled to host the visit of Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, State Minister of Defence, onboard the indigenous Indian naval ships.
SLINEX-2023 reinforces the commitment of the two nations to enhance maritime security in the region and reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
The exercise highlights the importance of cooperation and coordination in tackling common challenges and threats in the maritime domain.
The annual exercise is a significant step towards promoting regional stability and security and fostering closer ties between the two countries. The success of SLINEX-2023 will undoubtedly contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
Comentários