Why in News Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (Guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) held from 14 to 18 August 2025.

SLINEX 25

Overview
  • Full Form: Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX)
  • Edition: 12th
  • First Held: 2005
  • Frequency: Biennial
  • Hosted by: Sri Lanka (2025), previously India (2024)
  • Previous Edition: SLINEX-24 (Visakhapatnam, India – 17–20 Dec 2024)

OBJECTIVE

  • Enhance interoperability and operational coordination
  • Promote maritime cooperation
  • Share best practices and professional experiences
  • Strengthen regional maritime security

PARTICIPATING NAVAL ASSETS

Indian Navy
  • INS Rana – Guided Missile Destroyer
  • INS Jyoti – Fleet Tanker
  • Indian Navy Special Forces
Sri Lankan Navy
  • SLNS Gajabahu – Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel
  • SLNS Vijayabahu – Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel
  • Sri Lankan Navy Special Forces

EXERCISE SCHEDULE

Harbour Phase (14–16 August 2025) – Colombo Activities:
  • Professional Interactions
  • Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)
  • Cultural and Social Exchanges
  • Yoga Sessions & Sports
  • Sharing of Best Practices
Exercises Include:
  • Gunnery Firing Drills
  • Seamanship Evolutions
  • Communication Protocols
  • Navigation Operations
  • VBSS (Visit Board Search and Seizure)
  • Fueling at Sea (RAS - Replenishment at Sea)

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

  • Reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
  • Supports SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
  • Reflects India’s MAHASAGAR Doctrine:
Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
  • Enhances India’s role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region