India, Sri Lanka naval exercise SLINEX-20 begins

Surface and anti-air exercises, including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, manoeuvres and cross deck flying operations are planned during the exercise, which will further enhance the high degree of inter-operability already established between the two friendly navies  

The eighth edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 began today off Trincomalee. 

The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by offshore patrol vessel SLN Ships Sayura and training ship Gajabahu.

Indigenously built ASW corvettes Kamorta and Kiltan will represent the Indian Navy. 
In addition, Indian Navy's advanced light helicopter and Chetak helicopter embarked onboard the naval ships, and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also take part in the event. 

In a statement, the Navy said: "SLINEX-20 aims to enhance inter-operability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations between both navies. In addition, the exercise will also showcase capabilities of our indigenously constructed naval ships and aircraft." 

"Surface and anti-air exercises, including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, manoeuvres and cross deck flying operations are planned during the exercise, which will further enhance the high degree of inter-operability already established between the two friendly navies."

The exercise, which is being conducted in a non-contact 'at-sea-only' format owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain. 

The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019.