Exercise DOSTI-17 Begins: India, Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Indian Ocean Security

India, Maldives and Sri Lanka have launched Exercise DOSTI in Male to enhance maritime cooperation and collective security in the Indian Ocean. The trilateral naval drill focuses on search and rescue, communication, and coordination to address shared regional security challenges.

A new phase of regional maritime cooperation has begun in the Indian Ocean region with the launch of Exercise DOSTI-17. The joint naval drill involving India, Maldives and Sri Lanka is being held in Male, aiming to enhance coordination among the three neighbouring countries. The exercise reflects a shared commitment to ensuring safety, stability and cooperation in strategically important sea lanes.

Why in News?

Exercise DOSTI-17 has commenced in Male with the participation of India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The trilateral naval exercise focuses on strengthening collective maritime security and improving cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

What Is Exercise DOSTI?

• Exercise DOSTI is a trilateral maritime security exercise conducted by the navies and coast guards of India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
• The word “DOSTI” means friendship, highlighting the spirit of cooperation behind the drill.
• The exercise aims to improve operational coordination, information sharing, and mutual trust among the participating nations. I
• t includes activities such as search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance, and communication drills, which are essential for handling emergencies and security threats at sea.

Focus on Maritime Security

• The Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most important maritime regions, carrying a large share of global trade and energy shipments.
• Exercise DOSTI focuses on addressing non-traditional security threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and maritime accidents.
• By conducting joint drills, the three countries enhance their ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises.
• The exercise also strengthens maritime domain awareness, helping the participants monitor activities across shared waters and protect vital sea routes.

India’s Role and Regional Cooperation

• India plays a key role in Exercise DOSTI as part of its broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
• Through such exercises, India promotes capacity building, training, and technical cooperation with neighbouring countries
• . The participation of Maldives and Sri Lanka reflects shared regional interests and trust.
• Regular interaction during these drills improves interoperability between naval forces and reinforces India’s position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.

About Evolution of Exercise DOSTI

Aspect	Details
Overview	Type: Trilateral Coast Guard exercise Participating Countries: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives Frequency: Biennial (every two years) First Conducted: 1991 (India–Maldives) Sri Lanka Joined: 2012 Last Conducted: 2021
Aim & Objectives	Fortify friendship between participating nations Enhance mutual operational capability Exercise interoperability between coast guards Build cooperation for maritime security operations
Focus Areas	Assistance in sea accidents Elimination of sea pollution Coast guard procedures and conduct during incidents like oil spills Disaster management and maritime safety drills

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Launch of Exercise DOSTI-17 in Male
Participating Countries	India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Exercise Type	Trilateral maritime security drill
Main Focus	Maritime cooperation and collective security
Region	Indian Ocean

Question

Q. Exercise DOSTI is conducted among which of the following countries?

A. India, Indonesia, Thailand
B. India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
C. India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
D. India, Maldives, Seychelles