India and Sri Lanka have commenced the 12th edition of SLINEX, their flagship bilateral naval exercise, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
The Indian Navy is represented by INS Rana, a guided missile destroyer, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, while the Sri Lankan Navy has deployed SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, both advanced offshore patrol vessels. Special Forces from both sides are also taking part in the exercise, which runs in Colombo and the surrounding seas from August 14 to 18.
The engagement is divided into two phases. The harbour phase, concluding on August 16, focuses on professional exchanges, cultural interactions, yoga sessions, and sporting events to strengthen camaraderie. The sea phase, scheduled for August 17&ndash;18, will feature gunnery drills, seamanship practices, boarding operations, communication exercises, and replenishment at sea.
Launched in 2005, SLINEX has grown into a comprehensive exercise showcasing the trust and cooperation between the two neighbours. It also reflects India&rsquo;s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which seeks to ensure regional maritime security and collective growth.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy&rsquo;s newest stealth frigate INS Tamal recently celebrated Independence Day in Naples, Italy, after completing its commissioning in Russia. The ship conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy&rsquo;s ITS Trieste, underlining India&rsquo;s expanding naval diplomacy in Europe and reinforcing the strategic partnership with Italy.
These back-to-back naval engagements highlight India&rsquo;s growing focus on strengthening regional security in the Indian Ocean while also building deeper cooperation with global partners.

INS Rana and INS Jyoti join Colombo exercise to boost naval synergy

India, Sri Lanka launch SLINEX-25 drills

INS Rana and INS Jyoti join Colombo exercise to boost naval synergy

August 16, 2025 | 15:44 IST