The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) will be conducted from 17 to 20 Dec 24 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
Exercise SLINEX 2024
The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) will be conducted from 17 to 20 Dec 24 at Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise will be held in two phases – the Harbour Phase from 17 to 18 December and the Sea Phase from 19 to 20 December. SLINEX Initiated in 2005.
Participating Units:
From India: Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team.
From Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team.
The 2024 edition aims to further reinforce the strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka while promoting a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
India, Sri Lanka Decide To Conclude Defence Cooperation Agreement Soon
PM Narendra Modi has said that India and Sri Lanka has decided to soon conclude defence cooperation agreement. He said that both nations have decided to have cooperation on hydrography. In his joint statement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi said that both nations believe that Colombo Security Conclave is an important platform for regional peace, security and development.
PM Narendra Modi said that India has so far provided 5 billion dollars in line of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka and added that the cooperation has reached all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
India Sri Lanka Relations
Both countries are exploring the possibility of an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement to integrate their economies and foster development. Sri Lanka has now adopted India’s UPI service, which is a significant step towards enhancing fintech connectivity between the two countries.
India is Sri Lanka’s third largest export destination, after the US and UK. More than 60% of Sri Lanka’s exports enjoy the benefits of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. India is also a major investor in Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka conduct joint military (Mitra Shakti) and Naval exercise (SLINEX). Sri Lanka is also a member of groupings like BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and SAARC in which India plays a leading role.
