WORLD NEWS | ‘SLINEX-2023’ launched to boost relations between Sri Lankan and Indian navies

COLOMBO, April 3 (PTI) The 10th annual bilateral maritime exercise between Sri Lanka and India, aimed at enhancing interoperability of multifaceted maritime operations between the navies of the two countries, enhancing mutual understanding and exchanging best procedures, kicked off on Monday.

“SLINEX-2023” will be conducted in two phases – a seaport phase in Colombo from April 3-5, followed by a sea phase from April 6-8, the Indian High Commission said here on Monday.

Read also | Giant python eats two brushtail possums; snake catcher shares horrific pics and warns Australian pet lovers!

The Indian Navy will be represented by INS Kiltan (Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol Vessel), while the Sri Lankan Navy will have SLNS Gajabahu (Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel) and SLNS Sagara (OPV) participating in the exercise.

In addition, Indian Navy Chetak helicopters and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, as well as Sri Lanka Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters will also participate in the exercise.

Read also | Discussing sex with students in class cost female teacher her job and accused of swearing!

“SLINEX-2023 aims to enhance interoperability, enhance mutual understanding, and exchange best practices/procedures in multifaceted maritime operations between the two navies,” an official statement said.

The last SLINEX was held in Visakhapatnam in March 2022.

Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyanta Pereira and Indian Deputy High Commissioner Vinod Jacob attended the opening ceremony of “SLINEX-2023” on Monday.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay is scheduled to receive a visit from Defense Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on board an Indian Navy ship.

“In order to increase awareness and interest in the Armed Forces, both Indian Navy ships will be open to a large number of tourists including school children,” the statement said.

It said SLINEX embodies deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka, enhancing mutual cooperation in the maritime field.

Under India’s “Neighborhood First” policy, interaction between the Sri Lankan and Indian navies has increased significantly in recent years.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)