SLINEX‑25: Indian naval ships INS Rana and INS Jyoti arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability under MAHASAGAR policy.
Indian Naval Ships Arrived in Sri Lanka for SLINEX-25
Exercise Overview: Indian Naval Presence in Colombo
The Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise, SLINEX-25, commenced with the arrival of INS Rana, a guided-missile destroyer, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, in Colombo. Held from 14 to 18 August 2025, this 12th edition exemplifies the deepening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka under the strategic MAHASAGAR initiative—India’s policy aimed at mutual holistic advancement for regional maritime security and growth
Phase Structure: Harbour and Sea Operations
The exercise is organised into two main phases: the Harbour Phase in Colombo from 14 to 16 August, and the Sea Phase from 17 to 18 August, conducted in the adjoining maritime zones
Participants: Ships and Special Forces
The Indian Navy’s delegation includes INS Rana (147 m, ~300 crew, commanded by Captain KP Sreesan) and INS Jyoti (180.16 m, ~200 crew, commanded by Captain Chetan R Upadhyay) Sri Lanka is represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, both advance offshore patrol vessels Special Forces from both navies will also take part
Harbour Phase Activities
The Harbour Phase emphasises professional exchanges, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), discussions on best practices, cultural engagement, yoga sessions, and sporting events—all aimed at reinforcing camaraderie and institutional ties
Sea Phase Drills and Tactical Exercises
The Sea Phase focuses on operational drills such as gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation and seamanship evolutions, Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) operations, and at-sea replenishment/fueling, simulating real-world maritime collaboration
Strategic Context: Reinforcing IOR Security
SLINEX-25 reinforces India–Sri Lanka maritime synergy, aligning with the MAHASAGAR policy and bolstering regional naval coordination within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This exercise strengthens mutual trust, interoperability, and collective readiness to address shared security challenges
In sum, SLINEX-25 is a comprehensive and well-structured naval exercise fostering strategic cooperation, operational integration, and goodwill between the navies of India and Sri Lanka.
Why This News Is Important
Enhances India–Sri Lanka Strategic Partnership
SLINEX-25 demonstrates a deepening commitment to bilateral maritime collaboration. For aspirants preparing for competitive exams—especially in defence, civil services, and allied fields—understanding such regional security partnerships is critical for questions on foreign policy and strategic relations.
Operational Readiness & Interoperability
The exercise enhances real-time operational integration through drills like VBSS, gunnery firing, and naval replenishment. These aspects are essential for exam topics related to maritime security, defence preparedness, and joint operations.
Reflects India’s MAHASAGAR Policy in Action
SLINEX-25 is a practical manifestation of India’s MAHASAGAR strategy—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—highlighting India’s role in nurturing regional stability and cooperation across maritime boundaries.
Importance for Defence and UPSC Aspirants
Strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy and readiness has direct relevance to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) security dynamics. Questions in current affairs for UPSC, Civil Services, NDA, CAPF, and Defence aspirants often cover these themes.
Exam-Relevant Insight into Bilateral Maritime Exercises
This exercise underlines evolving defence strategies and soft-power diplomacy—both of which are key areas in general studies syllabi. It highlights how routine but strategic engagements form the backbone of regional security frameworks.
Historical Context: The Evolution of SLINEX
Inception and Growth Since 2005
SLINEX, first conducted in 2005, marked the beginning of India–Sri Lanka naval cooperation. Over two decades, it has matured into a vital maritime exercise, reinforcing bilateral ties and operational synergy
Past Editions and Patterns
- SLINEX-24 (2024) took place in Visakhapatnam from 17 to 20 December. It included Harbour and Sea phases and featured INS Sumitra and SLNS Sayura, both embarked with Special Forces, engaging in drills like communication, gunnery, and helicopter operations
- SLINEX-25 (2025) continues this tradition, but is held in Colombo, representing a geographic shift that reflects strengthened mutual trust and strategic coverage across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Key Takeaways from “Indian Naval Ships Arrived in Sri Lanka for SLINEX-25”
| Sl. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | SLINEX-25, the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise, was held from 14–18 August 2025 in Colombo. |
| 2 | Participants: Indian Navy deployed INS Rana and INS Jyoti; Sri Lanka contributed SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, with Special Forces from both navies involved. |
| 3 | Exercise divided into Harbour Phase (14–16 Aug) focusing on cultural and professional exchanges, and Sea Phase (17–18 Aug) involving operational drills like VBSS, gunnery, navigation, and at-sea replenishment. |
| 4 | Reflects implementation of India’s MAHASAGAR policy—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—enhancing IOR maritime security and cooperation. |
| 5 | Demonstrates strategic maritime interoperability, mutual trust, and operational readiness—key themes for government exams in sectors such as defence, civil services, and police. |
FAQs on Indian Naval Ships Arrival for SLINEX‑25
Q1: What is SLINEX‑25?
A1: SLINEX‑25 is the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise, conducted from 14–18 August 2025 to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Q2: Which Indian Navy ships participated in SLINEX‑25?
A2: INS Rana, a guided-missile destroyer, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, participated from the Indian Navy.
Q3: Which Sri Lankan ships participated in this exercise?
A3: SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, both advanced offshore patrol vessels, represented the Sri Lankan Navy.
Q4: What are the two phases of SLINEX‑25?
A4: The exercise is divided into Harbour Phase (14–16 Aug) focusing on professional and cultural exchanges, and Sea Phase (17–18 Aug) involving operational drills like gunnery, navigation, and VBSS operations.
Q5: What is the strategic importance of SLINEX‑25?
A5: It enhances India–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation, strengthens interoperability, supports the MAHASAGAR policy, and contributes to Indian Ocean Region security, making it relevant for defence, civil services, and government exam aspirants.
Q6: Where was SLINEX‑25 conducted?
A6: The exercise was conducted in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including nearby maritime zones.
Q7: Who commanded INS Rana and INS Jyoti?
A7: INS Rana was commanded by Captain KP Sreesan, and INS Jyoti by Captain Chetan R Upadhyay.
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