India, Sri Lanka to conduct joint naval exercise

The Indian and Sri Lankan Navies will hold the fourth edition of Sri Lanka-India Exercise (SLINEX) off Trincomalee in Sri Lanka from October 27 to November 15, it was announced on Tuesday.

Indian naval ships Kora, Kirpan and Savitri along with ship-borne integral helicopters entered Trincomalee on Tuesday to participate in the exercise, an Indian Navy statement said.

Kora and Kirpan, the missile corvettes, are commanded by Commander Ashok Rao and Commander Abraham Samuel.

The offshore patrol vessel Savitri is commanded by Commander Prashant Negi.

In addition, an Indian naval maritime reconnaissance aircraft will also participate in the exercise, the statement said.

The Sri Lankan Navy will be represented by Sayura, Samudra, Sagara, six fast attack crafts, two fast gun boats and a fast missile vessel.

The exercise will include complex operations including anti-piracy exercises, gun firing, cross-deck helicopter operations and anti-surface exercises.

The sea phase will start on October 30.

"The benefits of operational interactions under SLINEX are clearly visible as both the navies today have an improved and steadfast understanding. SLINEX 15 will further enhance the capability of the two navies to work together at sea and contribute towards maritime security in the region," the Indian Navy said.

"SLINEX aims to promote mutual understanding and provide exposure to both the navies to each others' operating procedures, communication procedures and best practices.

"This allows the two navies to develop greater confidence to operate together, if required, during complex maritime missions."