Exercise SIMBEX

About Exercise SLINEX: 

• It is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and Sri Lanka.
• It was initiated in 2005, SLINEX is a significant series of bilateral naval exercises that have strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka over the years. 
• The 2024 edition aims to further reinforce the strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka while promoting a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
• The 2024 exercise will be held in two phases - the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.
• Participating Units:
  • From India: Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team.
  • From Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team.
• During harbour Phase participants will engage in professional and social exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding. The Sea Phase will feature joint exercises, including Special Forces operations, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship practices, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations. 
• Over the years, SLINEX has expanded in scope, enabling both navies to enhance interoperability and share best practices.

Q1: What is INS Sumitra?

It is the fourth and last Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy. It is based on an indigenous design and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited. It was commissioned in 2014 and is based in Chennai under the Eastern Naval Command.

News: SRI LANKA–INDIA EXERCISE - 24 (SLINEX-24)