What happened?
On August 14, 2025, Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) arrived in Colombo to participate in the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25), scheduled from August 14 to 18, 2025. Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX is a longstanding bilateral naval exercise aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition was held at Visakhapatnam from December 17 to 20, 2024.
Why it matters to India
SLINEX-25 will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour phase in Colombo (August 14-16) and the Sea phase (August 17-18). Sri Lanka’s naval participation includes SLNS Gajabahu and Vijayabahu (Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels), with Special Forces from both navies involved. The harbour phase features professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cultural and social exchanges, yoga sessions, and sporting events to strengthen ties. Sea phase drills will include gunnery firing, communication protocols, navigation, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and underway replenishment. SLINEX exemplifies deep maritime engagement supporting India’s MAHASAGAR policy for security and growth across the region.