SLINEX-20, annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and the Sri Lanka

The 8th edition of SLINEX-20, an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, held in Sri Lanka from 19 to 21 October 2020. The Sri Lankan Navy will be carried by SLN Ships Sayura and Gajabahu .

According to information received from a naval officer, the Indian Navy will deploy a large number of modern light helicopters, Chetak helicopters and Dornian maritime patrol aircraft along with the anti-submarine warships INS Kamorta and INS Kilton in the exercise.

The Sri Lankan Navy will be represented by patrol ship Sayura and training vessel Gajabahu.

According to an Indian Navy spokesperson, '' the Slynex-8 exercise exemplifies the deep partnership and better synergy between India and Sri Lanka. This has encouraged mutual coordination in the maritime sector, particularly in the Bay of Bengal ''.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the previous editions of SLINEX have resulted in a deep engagement between the two nations and have further improved the cooperation in maritime operations.

“Interaction between the SLN and IN has also grown significantly in recent years, in consonance with India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Hon’ble PM’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR),’” the statement said.

The SLINEX-2020 will be the second such joint naval exercise of India with another nation this month with the first one being on October 3 with Bangladesh.