Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships joined the Dosti 16 exercise held in the Maldives from February 22-25. This year marked a significant development with Bangladesh participating as an observer, indicating a widening scope for the exercise and underlining the growing importance of maritime collaboration in tackling evolving challenges.
Building Bridges Through Cooperation
- The Maldives Defence Force warmly received ships and personnel from India and Sri Lanka, marking a new phase of deepened military diplomacy and alliance-building in the region.
- The essence of Exercise ‘Dosti’ transcends mere military maneuvers, embodying mutual respect, understanding, and shared objectives among the participating nations.
- By fostering cooperation, the exercise addresses traditional security concerns while collectively preparing for non-traditional threats like piracy, smuggling, and environmental disasters.
- This collaborative approach recognizes that 21st-century challenges are not confined by national borders and emphasizes the value of friendship and cooperation in navigating these waters.
Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise Dosti
- Origins and Objectives: Dosti exercises, which began in 1991 between India and Maldives, aim to enhance mutual operational capabilities and promote cooperation in maritime emergencies.
- Expanded Scope: Sri Lanka’s inclusion in 2012 broadened the exercise’s focus, emphasizing collaborative efforts in sea accident management, pollution control, and coast guard protocols.
- Dosti 16 Amid India-China Relations: Dosti 16 assumes significance against the backdrop of strained India-China relations and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
- Navigating Diplomatic Shifts: The Maldives’ alignment with China under President Muizzu has impacted traditional diplomatic ties with India, presenting challenges to regional stability.