The Indian and Sri Lankan navies will be reinforcing strong neighbourly ties underscored by extensive maritime interaction, by undertaking the 4th edition of Sri Lanka-India Exercise (SLINEX) off Trincomalee, Sri Lanka from October 27 to November 1, 2015.
SLINEX series were initiated in 2005 and since then three successful engagements have been conducted. Indian ships – Kora, Kirpan and Savitri, along with ship-borne integral helicopters, entered Trincomalee on Tuesday to participate in the exercise.
Kora and Kirpan, the missile corvettes, are commanded by Commander Ashok Rao and Commander Abraham Samuel, respectively, and 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 Sri Lankan navy will be represented by Sayura, Samudra, Sagara, six fast attack crafts, two fast gun boats and one fast missile vessel. The exercise will start with a Harbour Phase, during which, the participants will engage in professional, cultural and social interactions. The phase will be followed by the Sea Phase, which will start on October 30.