India–Sri Lanka Joint Cooperation Towards Maritime Security

Policy Update
Ashutosh Shukla

Background

The Indian Ocean Region is vital for trade, covering more than 17% of the global area and encompassing more than 30 littoral and Island nations across three major continents, with more than 35% of the world’s population. The region is not only geographically important but also strategically important; it holds rich resources. Coastal areas and international waters of the Indian Ocean account for more than 50% of trade. Strategically and economically, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) accounted for a significant share of trade.

Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island positioned at the south of India, is situated at the vital intersection of shipping lanes at the junction of east- west. Sri Lanka serves as a critical waypoint for shipping and connectivity, and also as a centre point for maritime traffic and two economic centres. India, at the same time, is the guardian of the Indian Ocean Region, a net security provider and the first responder.

Both nations, primarily with other island nations, protect the trade, especially the seaborne trade. The strategic and evolving role of both nations in the 21st century has been transformed with the advent of more trade and technology, and maritime security has become more important within the Indian Ocean Region. The multipolarity took place, and the role of various actors, such as island nations, became more important.

Role of geography, geostrategy and geopolitical factors in the security of the region

Both nations are located at the strategic juncture of shipping lane also both nations are situated near the major chokepoints such as Strait of Malacca, Bab el Mandab, and, Suez Canal, by this the role of both India and Sri Lanka have expanded and their need to improve the surveillance, joint patrol, and cooperation also have been significant which both nations can not ignore as the geography of India and Sri Lanka is somewhat similar in terms of maritime domain awareness also a natural convergence, which is directly related to the interests of both in terms of security and trade.

The regional dynamics and architecture, for instance, include the Colombo Security Conclave, a trilateral security cooperation among India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, as well as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the Indian Naval Symposium, and BIMSTEC, which provide platforms for cooperation and coordination. The presence of China within the Indian Ocean. China, which is increasing its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region militarily and economically with its Belt and Road initiatives which has heightened strategic competition in the region.

Safeguarding the mutual interest – Surveillance through Joint patrol

India and Sri Lanka share a complex boundary, particularly around the Palk Strait and Gulf of Munnar. The intersection of the boundary symbolises the economic, security, and strategic interests. The maritime and naval forces of both nations, especially the Indian Navy, along with the Coast Guard yet there are a few issues which remain challenging, such as fishermen disputes, which are more of a human and diplomatic issue.

These issues can only be solved by determination and with regular joint patrolling involving the navies of both nations. There have been cases where, in the issue of fishermen, the Lankan navy enforced against the Indian fishermen, which remained a sensitive issue. These kinds of issues are a reminder of how joint patrolling can be helpful to prevent these kinds of events.

India has provided Sri Lanka with major assistance in terms of the maritime domain, which includes maritime-centric economic incentives and military training, capacity-building programs. At the same time, India has donated military equipment such as Dornier aircraft for the surveillance of coastal and beyond-coastal areas.

At the same time, both nations help each other in emergency response in such incidents where the urgent need is demanded, for example, the oil spills in the Indian Ocean Region. The collaboration goes beyond the traditional domain, the joint naval exercise SLINEX, which has facilitated the very establishment of major infrastructures like the Maritime Rescuer Coordination Centre. At the same time additionally India and Sri Lanka have signed agreements to define their maritime domain and also to cooperate in the fishermen issues with regular joint patrols.

Objectives, operations, and the transregional-geopolitical importance of joint patrols

The main objectives of the joint patrolling between these two nations are to counter the security threats and challenges within the domain, such as piracy, smuggling, human trafficking and also illegal trafficking of all sorts. At the same time, the non-traditional threats can only be dealt with the joint patrolling and joint security ventures.

Within the Indian Ocean region, India and Sri Lanka participate in major military exercises such as SLINEX, which involves complex naval operations. This particular exercise deals with navigation tactics and strategies, drills related to navigation, gunnery, fishing, joint coastal surveillance, and VBSS.Also, India and Sri Lanka work together in terms of communication training, sea-replenishment, which enhances both tactical and operational capability. It also enhances the adaptability of both nations in terms of countering threats. These activities of both nations build mutual trust and readiness for a wide range of contingencies.

The imports related to trade, geopolitics, underscore the India Ocean’s centrality in terms of regional and global trade, which handles more than 70% of all the oil shipments worldwide. The joint patrols affirm the commitment of both nations which is rule rule-based maritime order. India and Sri Lanka signed a defence deal in April 2025 in which maritime security and Joint patrols are a major component. This defence cooperation has been institutionalised through the defence relations.

Future implications and challenges

Though India and Sri Lanka through the years have shown the robust cooperation yet there are several challenges which temper the future of India and Sri Lanka security relations, the diplomagtic balance of Lanka between India and China still is as delicate as it was previpously the economic presence of China along witht the naval presence is alarming to India which include the research vessels and port lease.

One more major issue is a transparency deficit, which is related to the changing governments and policy changes with the new government. At the same time in both nations, the role of opposition parties also play a role in terms of parliamentary review, which is usually determined by excessive external influence.

One major issue is geopolitical and regional sensitivities, which, for example, have resulted in actions such as the planned Lanka-Pak naval exercise after objection of India it was shelved. Such actions can as a major challenge if not resolved quickly.

These challenges not only weaken the security of the region but also damage the local and coastal economies, putting constraints on trade within the Indian Ocean Region. Overcoming these challenges is not easy, but both nations have been managing them. It needs operational, political will to fight back and as resources and transparent policymaking.

Way Ahead

The future of the trade in the Indian Ocean Region depends on these two nations, where the emphasis should be on maritime-based cooperation and also on the strengthening the regional and institutional networks and capability whic will enable in enhancing the maritime domain awareness of not only these nations but also of the communities which are directly involved in the process such as coastal communities whose livelihood is dependant on the ocean centric realities.

Integration of the advanced maritime surveillance and technology and tools with trained and skilled workers and officials will help both nations to ensure sure smooth running of trade within the Indian Ocean Region; it must be the key priority of these two nations.

India’s support to Sri Lanka is vital for the safety and security of the region, and support via equipment provision for Joint Patrol, support in terms of infrastructural development, capacity building, such as MRCC, also with training and intelligence sharing, which will not only benefit India and Sri Lanka but also other island nations as well, bolstering the safety and security of maritime boundaries of both nations.

At the same time, the regional mechanisms would help India and Sri Lanka to develop a better understanding towards the needs of the maritime domain and the security of the economic zones. Mechanisms such as IORA, Information Fusion Centre, BIMSTEC, which work as pillars to strengthen the bilateral as well as multilateral cooperation, will help both nations and other actors to identify and address the threats of all kinds which can hamper the security of the Indian Ocean Region.

Conclusion

Both India and Sri Lanka have joint maritime security patrols and have an enhanced defence cooperation, which marks a vital milestone in securing regional stability in the strategically critical area of the Indian Ocean. Through repeated and continuous exercises such as SLINEX and shared institutional framework and corporate structures like the “Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre”, and active participation in regional infrastructure and framework, both nations show unity and a commitment to protecting the vital sea lanes, countering traditional and emerging or appearing maritime challenges, and fostering mutual interests.

References

Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025, August 21). Conclusion of SLINEX-2025.https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2159316

Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025, August 15). Indian Naval Ships in Sri Lanka for SLINEX-25. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2156920

Site Admin. (2025, August 18). India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise SLINEX-25 Enters Sea Phase off Colombo with Joint Drills and Maritime Operations. News On Air. https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-sri-lanka-naval-exercise-slinex-25-enters-sea-phase-off-colombo-with-joint-drills-and-maritime-operations/

Begum, R. (2017, May). Maritime security issues between India and Sri Lanka – India’s concern. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 4(2), 460-465.

https://www.ijrar.org/papers/IJRAR19D5829.pdf

Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2024, December 16). India – Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future. https://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?38797/India++Sri+Lanka+Joint+Statement++Fostering+Partnerships+for+a+Shared+Future

Mallempati, S. (2025, May 7). India-Sri Lanka MoU on Defence Cooperation. Indian Council of World Affairs. https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=12855&lid=7855

Moorthy, N. S. (2025, February 14). India-Sri Lanka ties: Fishermen, maritime security and bilateral talks. Observer Research Foundation. https://www.orfonline.org/english/expert-speak/india-sri-lanka-ties-fishermen-maritime-security-and-bilateral-talks

Centre for Public Policy Research. (2020, October). India and Sri Lanka: Changing dynamics in the Indian Ocean region (CSS #01). https://www.cppr.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/India-and-Sri-Lanka-Changing-Dynamics-in-the-Indian-Ocean-Region.pdf

About the Contributor:

Ashutosh Shukla is a Research Intern at IMPRI, with a Master’s in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Mumbai. His research interests include foreign policy, diplomacy, and International Relations.

Acknowledgement: The author extends his sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team, Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and Bhaktiba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.