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

Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guard vessels have arrived in the Maldives to take part in Exercise Dosti, a biennial maritime exercise involving the coast guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Exercise Dosti began 35 years ago as a joint exercise between the Indian and Maldivian Coast Guards, with Sri Lanka joining the exercise in 2012. This year’s edition is scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 January, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported.

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Three Indian Coast Guard ships — ICG Dornier, ICGS Atulya, and ICGS Vajra — have arrived in the Maldives for the exercise. The Sri Lankan Coast Guard vessel SLNS Suranimila is also participating.

Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani arrived in the Maldives for the Trilateral Joint Exercise DOSTI17 and was received at Velana International Airport by Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard. Sri Lanka Coast Guard Director General Rohan Joseph also arrived and was received by Brigadier General Saleem.

Officials from both the Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards have begun arriving to take part in the exercise.

Exercise Dosti 2026 will include search and rescue drills, maritime pollution response exercises, and maritime security-related drills. While the exercise emphasises humanitarian operations, the MNDF has advised the public and travellers in the exercise areas to exercise caution during the drill period.

The MNDF stated that the exercise will further strengthen relations between the participating countries, noting that regional maritime security and safety cannot be ensured by any single country alone. India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives will participate directly, while other countries will observe.