NEW DELHI, SEP 20 (PTI): Navies of India and Sri Lanka are currently engaged in a bilateral exercise in Visakhapatnam, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation and foster interoperability, officials said on Sunday.
The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, ‘SLINEX-26’, is being conducted from September 17-21, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said.
The exercise commenced with the harbour phase, and will be followed by the sea phase.
INS Kavaratti, an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, are participating from the Indian Navy, while SLNS Sindurala represents the Sri Lankan Navy, the official said.
Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important forum for fostering maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
The harbour phase, being conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, commenced with an opening ceremony and reception onboard INS Kavaratti for the visiting crew of SLNS Sindurala.
The phase includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sharing of best practices, yoga, sports and cultural activities, the spokesperson said.
The subsequent sea phase will focus on enhancing operational synergy and interoperability through coordinated activities at sea.
Aligned with India’s vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’, ‘SLINEX-26’ reinforces India’s commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment and further consolidates the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka, the spokesperson said.
