Indian, Sri Lankan Coast Guard Ships Arrive in Maldives for Trilateral Exercise Dosti

Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guard ships have arrived in the Maldives to participate in Exercise Dosti, a biennial trilateral exercise involving India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The exercise, which began 35 years ago between India and the Maldives, saw Sri Lanka join in 2012. This year’s iteration will be held from January 17 to 19. Three Indian Coast Guard ships—ICG Dornier, ICGS Atulya, and ICGS Vajra—have arrived, alongside the Sri Lankan Coast Guard vessel SLNS Suranimila. The exercise will include maritime search and rescue drills, pollution response exercises, and security-related drills. Officials from the Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards, including Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani and Sri Lanka Coast Guard Director General Rohan Joseph, have arrived in the Maldives for the event. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has advised the public to exercise caution in the exercise areas and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring maritime security.