Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guard ships have arrived in the Maldives to participate in Exercise Dosti.
Exercise Dosti is a biennial exercise conducted by the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The exercise began 35 years ago between the Indian and Maldivian Coast Guards, with Sri Lanka participating since 2012. This year’s exercise will be held from 17 to 19 of this month, according to MNDF.
Three Indian Coast Guard ships — ICG Dornier, ICGS Atulya, and ICGS Vajra — have arrived to take part in the exercise. The Sri Lankan Coast Guard vessel SLNS Suranimila has also arrived.
Meanwhile, Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani arrived in the Maldives for the Trilateral Joint Exercise DOSTI17. Upon his arrival at Velana International Airport, he was received by Mohamed Saleem, Brigadier General and Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard.
Sri Lanka Coast Guard Director General Rohan Joseph has also arrived in the Maldives for DOSTI17. He was similarly received at Velana International Airport by Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem.
Officials from the Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards have begun arriving in the Maldives to participate in the exercise.
This year’s Exercise Dosti will include search and rescue drills, maritime pollution response exercises, and maritime security-related drills. While the exercise focuses on humanitarian operations, the MNDF has advised the public and those travelling in the exercise areas to exercise caution during the drill period.
The MNDF said the exercise will further strengthen relations between the participating countries, noting that ensuring regional maritime security and safety cannot be achieved by any single country alone.
India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives will participate directly in the exercise, while other countries will observe.