The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) 2024

The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) is a significant and enduring bilateral maritime exercise between the navies of India and Sri Lanka. Initiated in 2005, SLINEX has evolved over the years to address the increasing complexities of maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. It serves as a vital platform to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual trust, and ensure regional maritime security. The 2024 edition of SLINEX is scheduled to be held from December 17 to December 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam, under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command of India.

Historical Context and Evolution of SLINEX

SLINEX began in 2005 as a modest exercise focused primarily on fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Over the years, it has expanded significantly in scope, reflecting the changing dynamics of maritime challenges and the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to address these challenges collectively. The exercise has evolved from simple communication drills and seamanship practices to complex operational engagements, including anti-submarine warfare, helicopter operations, and Special Forces training.

The growth of SLINEX highlights the importance both countries place on maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, a strategic area that serves as a crucial corridor for global trade and a region increasingly fraught with challenges such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. By addressing these issues, SLINEX contributes to a stable and secure maritime environment that benefits not only India and Sri Lanka but also the wider international community.

Key Features of SLINEX 2024

Dates and Location

• Duration: December 17 to December 20, 2024

• Location: Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy

The selection of Visakhapatnam as the venue underscores its strategic importance as a major naval base and a hub for India’s maritime operations. It also highlights the deepening ties between the two navies and their commitment to strengthening regional security.

Exercise Phases SLINEX 2024 will be conducted in two distinct phases:

1. Harbour Phase (December 17-18, 2024):

   • The Harbour Phase will focus on fostering professional and social interactions between the participating forces. Activities during this phase will include:

     • Briefings and discussions on various operational aspects

     • Joint planning sessions for the Sea Phase

     • Cultural exchanges and sports events to strengthen camaraderie and mutual understanding

     • Workshops and seminars on best practices and emerging challenges in maritime security

2. Sea Phase (December 19-20, 2024):

   • The Sea Phase will involve a series of advanced operational exercises aimed at enhancing the interoperability and readiness of the two navies. Key activities will include:

     • Special Forces Operations: Joint training and demonstrations of tactical maneuvers by Special Forces teams from both navies

     • Gun Firings: Live firing exercises to test accuracy and coordination

     • Communication Drills: Ensuring seamless communication across platforms

     • Seamanship Practices: Including replenishment at sea, towing, and anchoring drills

     • Navigation Evolutions: Focused on enhancing navigational accuracy and coordination

     • Helicopter Operations: Coordinated operations involving shipborne helicopters for surveillance, search and rescue, and tactical maneuvers

Participating Units

India:

• INS Sumitra: A Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) from the Eastern Fleet. Known for its versatility, INS Sumitra will play a pivotal role in both the Harbour and Sea Phases of the exercise.

• Special Forces Team: A contingent of highly trained naval commandos equipped to demonstrate advanced operational capabilities.

Sri Lanka:

• SLNS Sayura: An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) that serves as the flagship of the Sri Lankan Navy. SLNS Sayura’s participation underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to the success of SLINEX 2024.

• Embarked Special Forces Team: A team of elite naval personnel specializing in counter-terrorism, boarding operations, and maritime interdiction.

Objectives of SLINEX 2024

The primary objectives of SLINEX 2024 are:

1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties:

   • By fostering professional and personal relationships between the personnel of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies, SLINEX 2024 aims to deepen the maritime partnership between the two nations.

2. Enhancing Interoperability:

   • The exercise provides a platform for both navies to exchange best practices, improve operational coordination, and enhance their ability to work together in complex maritime scenarios.

3. Promoting Regional Security:

   • As the Indian Ocean region faces growing security challenges, SLINEX 2024 seeks to contribute to a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.

4. Building Capacity:

   • Through joint training and knowledge sharing, SLINEX 2024 aims to enhance the operational capabilities of both navies, ensuring they are better equipped to address evolving threats.

Significance of SLINEX 2024

SLINEX 2024 holds immense strategic and operational significance for India, Sri Lanka, and the broader Indian Ocean region. Key aspects include:

• Maritime Diplomacy:

  • SLINEX serves as a cornerstone of India’s maritime diplomacy in South Asia, showcasing its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and security.

• Operational Readiness:

  • The exercise enhances the readiness of both navies to respond to a wide range of maritime contingencies, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to counter-piracy and anti-terrorism operations.

• Regional Stability:

  • By promoting collaboration and trust, SLINEX contributes to a stable and secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for global trade and economic growth.

Inaugural Ceremony

The inaugural ceremony for SLINEX 2024 is scheduled for December 17, 2024, marking the commencement of the Harbour Phase. The ceremony will feature senior naval officers from both countries, who will emphasize the importance of the exercise in fostering closer ties and addressing shared maritime challenges.

The Broader Context: Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean region is a critical maritime domain that faces a range of security challenges, including:

• Piracy and Armed Robbery:

  • While piracy incidents have declined in recent years, the region remains vulnerable to armed robbery and other forms of maritime crime.

• Illegal Fishing:

  • Unsustainable fishing practices and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

• Smuggling and Trafficking:

  • The Indian Ocean serves as a transit route for smuggling goods, narcotics, and even human trafficking, necessitating coordinated efforts to combat these activities.

• Geopolitical Tensions:

  • The region’s strategic importance has led to increased competition among global powers, making regional cooperation essential for maintaining stability.

By addressing these challenges, SLINEX underscores the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka to ensuring a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise)
Dates	December 17 to December 20, 2024
Location	Visakhapatnam, Eastern Naval Command
Phases	Harbour Phase: 17-18 December; Sea Phase: 19-20 December
Inaugural Ceremony	December 17, 2024
Participants	India: INS Sumitra, Special Forces; Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, Special Forces
Sea Phase Activities	Special Forces ops, gun firings, comms drills, seamanship, navigation, helo ops
Significance	Strengthening cooperation, enhancing interoperability, regional security
Inception Year	2005
Objective of 2024 Edition	Deepen ties, enhance capabilities, promote regional security

Conclusion

SLINEX 2024 represents a milestone in the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka. By addressing shared security concerns, enhancing operational interoperability, and fostering mutual trust, the exercise underscores the importance of collaborative approaches to regional challenges. As the Indian Ocean region continues to grow in strategic significance, SLINEX remains a cornerstone of efforts to ensure a stable, secure, and prosperous maritime environment. Both nations, through their commitment to SLINEX, reaffirm their dedication to upholding the principles of peace, cooperation, and security in the region.