Daily Current Affairs : 28-December-2024

Recently, the SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka – India Exercise 2024) took place at Visakhapatnam, India. This exercise is an important bilateral naval drill between India and Sri Lanka. It strengthens the defense and security ties between the two nations and enhances their naval capabilities through joint training.

Sea Phase of SLINEX 24

The Sea Phase of SLINEX 24 involved several coordinated activities between the navies of India and Sri Lanka. These activities included:

  • Joint Exercises: Special Forces from both countries worked together in joint training operations.
  • Gun Firings: Both navies conducted live gun firings to test their combat readiness.
  • Communication Drills: To improve coordination, both navies participated in communication drills.
  • Seamanship & Navigation Evolutions: These exercises helped improve skills in ship handling, navigation, and other maritime operations.
  • Helicopter Operations: Helicopters were also used in the exercise for joint operational drills.

The Indian Navy participated with its ship, INS Sumitra, which played a crucial role in the exercise.

A Longstanding Relationship

India and Sri Lanka share a rich history that spans over 2,500 years. Their cultural and economic ties have been mutually beneficial, contributing to their strong partnership today. The SLINEX exercise, which started in 2005, is a symbol of their long-standing cooperation.

Economic Ties Between India and Sri Lanka

India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner in the SAARC region. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 5.5 billion. India exports essential goods to Sri Lanka, including petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. Additionally, the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) allows Sri Lanka to access the Indian market with favorable trade terms.

Other India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Exercises

Apart from SLINEX, India and Sri Lanka also conduct the Exercise Mitra Shakti, a joint military training exercise involving the armies of both countries. These exercises further strengthen their defense cooperation.

Important Points
  • SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka – India Exercise 2024) took place in Visakhapatnam, India.
  • It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, enhancing defense and security ties.
  • The Sea Phase of SLINEX 24 involved:
    • Joint exercises by Special Forces from both navies.
    • Live gun firings and communication drills.
    • Seamanship and navigation evolutions.
    • Helicopter operations for joint drills.
  • The Indian Navy participated with the ship INS Sumitra.
  • India and Sri Lanka have a rich history of cultural and economic ties spanning over 2,500 years.
  • SLINEX has been conducted since 2005, strengthening naval cooperation.
  • India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner in the SAARC region, with bilateral trade reaching USD 5.5 billion in FY 2023-24.
  • Sri Lanka benefits from the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which provides favorable trade terms.
  • Other bilateral exercises include Exercise Mitra Shakti, focusing on army cooperation.
  • The exercise helps both countries enhance operational readiness and maintain peace and security in the region.
Why In News

Recently, the SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka – India Exercise 2024) was successfully conducted at Visakhapatnam, India. This bilateral naval exercise is a significant event aimed at enhancing the strategic cooperation and operational readiness of both nations’ navies. Through this exercise, India and Sri Lanka strengthen their long-standing defense ties and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring regional maritime security.

MCQs about SLINEX 24:Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Naval Cooperation

  1. Where was the SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka – India Exercise 2024) conducted?
    A. Colombo, Sri Lanka
    B. Visakhapatnam, India
    C. Mumbai, India
    D. Chennai, India
    Correct Answer: B. Visakhapatnam, India
    Explanation: The SLINEX 24 exercise was conducted at **Visakhapatnam**, India, as mentioned in the essay.
  2. Which of the following was NOT a part of the Sea Phase activities in SLINEX 24?
    A. Joint Special Forces exercises
    B. Gun firings
    C. Space exploration drills
    D. Helicopter operations
    Correct Answer: C. Space exploration drills
    Explanation: The Sea Phase activities in SLINEX 24 included joint Special Forces exercises, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations. There were no space exploration drills mentioned.
  3. Since when have India and Sri Lanka been conducting the SLINEX exercise?
    A. 1995
    B. 2005
    C. 2010
    D. 2020
    Correct Answer: B. 2005
    Explanation: India and Sri Lanka have been conducting the SLINEX exercise since **2005**, as mentioned in the essay.
  4. What is the significance of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA)?
    A. It helps Sri Lanka access the Chinese market
    B. It strengthens defense cooperation between the two nations
    C. It allows Sri Lanka to access the Indian market with favorable trade terms
    D. It focuses on space research cooperation
    Correct Answer: C. It allows Sri Lanka to access the Indian market with favorable trade terms
    Explanation: The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) benefits Sri Lanka by allowing the country to access the Indian market with favorable trade terms, as highlighted in the essay.

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