India’s Naval Diplomacy Expands: Joint Exercises with Sri Lanka and Italy Bolster Global Maritime Security
Colombo/Naples, August 15, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster international maritime cooperation, india’s naval fleet is actively engaged in pivotal exercises with Sri Lanka and Italy. These operations underscore India’s commitment to enhancing regional stability and interoperability, aligning with its strategic vision for maritime security across wider regions.
SLINEX-25: Deepening Indo-Sri Lankan Naval Partnership
From August 14 to 18, the vibrant shores of Colombo are hosting the 12th edition of the Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise, codenamed SLINEX-25. Spearheading India’s participation are the formidable INS Rana, a Guided Missile Destroyer, and the integral INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker.
Conceptualized in 2005, SLINEX has, for two decades, served as a cornerstone in strengthening maritime cooperation between these two neighboring nations. The exercise aims to foster enhanced interoperability, shared best practices, and collaborative approaches to multifaceted maritime operations. The previous iteration of SLINEX concluded in Visakhapatnam, India, in December 2024.
This year’s exercise unfolds in two distinct phases. The Harbour phase, concluding on August 16 in Colombo, focuses on professional exchanges, expert dialogues, sharing of operational insights, and cultural and social interactions designed to fortify bonds of camaraderie. The Sea phase, scheduled from August 17 to 18, will involve advanced naval drills.
Key Participants and Scheduled Activities
Sri Lanka is represented by its advanced offshore patrol vessels, SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu.Notably, the Special Forces units from both navies will also participate, adding a critical dimension to the joint training. The sea phase drills will encompass vital elements such as gunnery practice, dialogue protocols, navigation exercises, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and crucial at-sea refueling.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exercise Name | SLINEX-25 (Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise) |
| dates | August 14-18, 2025 |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Indian Naval Ships | INS Rana, INS Jyoti |
| Sri Lankan Naval Ships | SLNS Gajabahu, SLNS vijayabahu |
| Phases | Harbour Phase (until Aug 16), sea phase (Aug 17-18) |
The SLINEX maritime exercise is a testament to India’s broader strategic outreach, reflecting its policy of ‘MAHASAGAR’ – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This initiative aims to enhance collective security and economic growth within the Indian Ocean neighborhood.
INS Tamal in Italy: Strengthening Indo-Italian Strategic Partnership
In parallel, India’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, currently docked in Naples, Italy, since August 13, marked a significant moment by celebrating India’s 79th Independence Day on Friday. The frigate’s presence in Italy highlights the deepening strategic partnership between India and Italy, elevated in 2023.
this collaboration centers on augmented cooperation in defense, energy, and technology, with a clear focus on enhancing mutual operational capabilities and jointmanship between the two naval forces. Prior to its arrival in Naples, INS tamal successfully conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s Landing Platform Dock, ITS Trieste. These joint operations included vital communication drills, complex maneuvers, and flying operations.
During its port call, INS Tamal’s itinerary includes engaging professional and bilateral activities. These encompass interactions with civil dignitaries, cross-deck visits for mutual understanding, discussions with senior Italian Navy officials, and cultural exchanges celebrating the robust Indo-Italian relations.
Did You Know? Bilateral naval exercises like SLINEX and PASSEXs are crucial for building trust and understanding between nations, significantly contributing to global maritime stability and allowing for the sharing of critical operational knowledge.
These deployments and exercises showcase India’s proactive approach to maritime diplomacy, reinforcing its position as a key player in ensuring security and fostering economic prosperity in the global maritime domain.
Evergreen insights: The Enduring Importance of Naval Exercises
The strategic engagement between navies worldwide is more critical than ever. exercises like SLINEX-25 and the recent activities involving INS Tamal serve several long-term B.First, they ensure that naval forces are capable of operating together seamlessly in complex environments, which is vital for multinational crisis response and humanitarian aid missions.
Second, these interactions foster interoperability, allowing for the efficient exchange of intelligence and the coordinated execution of operations, from anti-piracy patrols to disaster relief. Third, they build personal relationships and mutual respect among naval personnel, creating a foundation for enduring diplomatic ties.
As global maritime trade routes continue to expand and geopolitical landscapes evolve, the need for robust international naval cooperation remains paramount. Such exercises are not merely drills; they are investments in a more secure and stable future for all maritime nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About India’s Naval Engagements
Q1: What is the primary objective of the SLINEX-25 naval exercise?
The primary objective of SLINEX-25 is to enhance interoperability, maritime cooperation, and exchange best practices between the Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
Q2: Which Indian Naval Ships are participating in SLINEX-25?
Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (guided Missile Destroyer) and INS Jyoti (Fleet Tanker) are participating in SLINEX-25.
Q3: When and where is SLINEX-25 taking place?
SLINEX-25 is taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August 14 to 18, 2025, with a Harbour phase until August 16 and a Sea phase from August 17 to 18.
Q4: What is INS Tamal’s recent activity?
INS Tamal,India’s latest stealth frigate,recently celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day in Naples,Italy,after its commissioning in russia.
Q5: what is the significance of India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ policy?
‘MAHASAGAR’ stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, reflecting India’s commitment to regional maritime security and development.
What are your thoughts on the importance of these international naval collaborations for global peace and security? Share your views in the comments below!
