- India, Maldives and Sri Lanka have launched Exercise DOSTI-17 in Male.
- The drill focuses on search and rescue, communication and maritime coordination.
- It aims to counter non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean region.
New Delhi: Exercise DOSTI-17 has been launched in Male, marking a renewed push for trilateral maritime cooperation among India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The naval drill underscores a shared commitment to collective security, safety and stability in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.
The exercise reflects growing regional coordination to safeguard critical sea lanes that carry a significant portion of global trade and energy shipments.
Focus on Maritime Security and Coordination
Exercise DOSTI-17 is a trilateral maritime security exercise conducted by the navies and coast guards of the three neighbouring countries. The word “DOSTI,” meaning friendship, captures the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust behind the initiative.
The drill focuses on enhancing operational coordination, information sharing and interoperability among participating forces. Key activities include search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance and advanced communication drills.
Addressing Non-Traditional Security Threats
The exercise places strong emphasis on tackling non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and maritime accidents. By training together, the three countries aim to improve their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies at sea.
Joint drills also help strengthen maritime domain awareness, enabling better monitoring of activities across shared waters.
Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean remains one of the world’s most critical maritime regions, linking major global trade routes and energy corridors. Ensuring stability in these waters is vital not only for regional nations but also for international commerce.
Exercise DOSTI-17 highlights the collective resolve of India, Maldives and Sri Lanka to protect these vital sea routes through cooperation rather than unilateral action.
India’s Role Under SAGAR Vision
India plays a central role in Exercise DOSTI as part of its broader maritime vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Through such engagements, Indian Navy promotes capacity building, training and technical cooperation with neighbouring countries.
The continued participation of Maldives and Sri Lanka reflects shared regional interests and growing trust among the three nations.
Strengthening Regional Trust and Interoperability
Regular interaction through exercises like DOSTI improves operational compatibility between naval forces and enhances preparedness for real-world contingencies. Analysts say such drills also reinforce India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
Exercise DOSTI-17 signals a new phase of sustained maritime cooperation, aimed at ensuring peace, security and resilience across the Indian Ocean.
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