SLINEX-26: 13th India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise at Vizag

SLINEX-26: 13th India–Sri Lanka naval exercise at Visakhapatnam

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Battle Brief

The 13th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, was held at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. INS Kavaratti, an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette, and the fleet tanker INS Jyoti took part for India, and SLNS Sindurala for Sri Lanka. SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005.

Fact File

Edition: 13th
Dates: 17 to 21 Sep 2026
Venue: Visakhapatnam
India: INS Kavaratti (ASW corvette), INS Jyoti (fleet tanker)
Sri Lanka: SLNS Sindurala
Began: conceptualised in 2005

In the news

SLINEX-26: what happened?

Sri Lanka is India’s close maritime neighbour. Regular naval drills build trust and help the two navies work together at sea.

13th edition of SLINEX held at Visakhapatnam, 17–21 Sep 2026 [PIB].
INS Kavaratti (indigenous ASW corvette) and INS Jyoti (fleet tanker) for India; SLNS Sindurala for Sri Lanka [PIB].

Back Story

How was the exercise run?

Harbour Phase under the Eastern Naval Command: cross-deck visits, professional talks, Yoga, sports.
Sea Phase: coordinated activities to build interoperability.
It fits India’s MAHASAGAR vision for the region.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on SLINEX-26?

SLINEX = India-Sri Lanka naval exercise; began 2005.
2026: 13th edition, Visakhapatnam.
INS Kavaratti: indigenous ASW corvette.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Bilateral relations and effect of policies of other countries on India

As per PIB (2026-09-20): 13th edition of SLINEX held at Visakhapatnam, 17–21 Sep 2026.
Neighbourhood maritime cooperation, Prelims exercise matching.

Quotable data point
13th edition of SLINEX held at Visakhapatnam, 17–21 Sep 2026.
PIB: Ministry of Defence: SLINEX-26, 20 Sep 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB, 20 Sep 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What is SLINEX?

The bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, conceptualised in 2005.

Where was SLINEX-26 held?

At Visakhapatnam, 17 to 21 September 2026.

Which Indian ships took part?

INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti.