Exercise DOSTI‑17 India Maldives strengthens trilateral coast guard cooperation and Indian Ocean security with joint VBSS, MARPOL, and pollution drills.
Exercise DOSTI-17: India, Maldives & Sri Lanka Strengthen Indian Ocean Security
Introduction: Exercise DOSTI-17 Commences in the Indian Ocean Region
Exercise DOSTI-17, a significant trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, has begun in Malé, Maldives, with the aim to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The exercise, which took place from 17 to 19 January 2026, is the 17th edition of this trilateral drill and reflects the growing maritime collaboration among these three Indian Ocean neighbours.
Objectives of the Trilateral Maritime Drill
The core goals of Exercise DOSTI-17 include:
- Enhancing interoperability among the Indian, Maldives, and Sri Lanka coast guards
- Improving operational coordination in maritime security missions
- Fostering collective responses to non-traditional threats like marine pollution and search-and-rescue operations
These objectives make DOSTI-17 a key platform for maritime collaboration, skill development, and strategic dialogue among participating forces.
Activities Conducted During the Exercise
Exercise DOSTI-17 includes a mix of harbour phase drills and operational activities such as:
- MARPOL exercises to tackle marine pollution
- Joint VBSS drills (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) to boost coordinated boarding operations
- Tabletop exercises and demonstrations displaying pollution response equipment and SOPs
These activities help improve technical coordination, professional relationships, and shared procedures among the three countries’ coast guard personnel.
India’s Role and Strategic Vision
India’s participation in Exercise DOSTI-17 aligns with its Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine, which emphasises supporting regional security, stability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
India’s role in the exercise also reflects its broader Neighbourhood First Policy and commitment to being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Through such joint drills, India enhances its strategic partnerships while contributing to shared maritime capabilities.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean hosts key global maritime trade routes, through which a significant portion of international trade passes. Ensuring security in these sea lanes is crucial for not only regional nations but also global economic stability.
Exercise DOSTI-17 strengthens partnerships among littoral states, preparing them collectively to deter threats such as piracy, smuggling, marine accidents, and non-traditional maritime risks.
Why This News Is Important
Maritime Security and Strategic Significance
The Indian Ocean is one of the most strategically important maritime zones globally, accounting for vital sea lines of communication that connect East Asia to Africa and Europe. Any disruption in the functioning of these routes can affect global trade and economic stability. Therefore, regular joint exercises like DOSTI-17 bolster the capability of regional forces to ensure safe and secure maritime environments.
Enhancing Interoperability for National Exams
For civil service and defence aspirants preparing for exams like IAS, PSCs, CAPF, and NDA/CDS, understanding such exercises is crucial. These drills showcase how nations build operational interoperability and strategic synergy, which can translate into questions in international relations, security studies, and defence cooperation topics.
India’s Geopolitical Leadership
India’s leadership role in DOSTI reflects its larger maritime diplomacy and strategic objectives under the SAGAR vision and Neighbourhood First Policy. These policies are frequently cited in questions about India’s foreign policy priorities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Historical Context: Background of Exercise DOSTI
Origin and Evolution
Exercise DOSTI began in 1991 as a bilateral coast guard exercise between India and the Maldives, aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime security. Sri Lanka later joined the initiative in 2012, transforming it into a trilateral security framework that fosters stronger collective maritime strategy.
Biennial Framework
The exercise takes place every two years, creating continuity in joint training and maritime collaboration. Over the years, Exercise DOSTI has expanded its focus from basic coordination drills to advanced operational scenarios involving search and rescue, pollution response, VBSS, and interoperability training.
SAGAR and Regional Policies
India’s strategic vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) underpins its involvement in maritime initiatives like DOSTI. SAGAR reflects India’s commitment to inclusive and cooperative security frameworks in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Takeaways from Exercise DOSTI-17
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Exercise DOSTI-17 is a trilateral coast guard exercise involving India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. |
| 2. | The exercise was held in Malé, Maldives, from 17–19 January 2026. |
| 3. | Its aim is to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and operational coordination. |
| 4. | Activities include MARPOL drills, VBSS training, and pollution response exercises. |
| 5. | India’s participation aligns with the SAGAR doctrine and regional security priorities. |
FAQs on Exercise DOSTI‑17
How does Exercise DOSTI‑17 contribute to regional security?
It improves joint operational readiness, coordination against piracy, marine pollution control, and search-and-rescue operations, ensuring safer Indian Ocean trade routes.
What is Exercise DOSTI‑17?
Exercise DOSTI‑17 is a trilateral coast guard exercise conducted by India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
When and where was Exercise DOSTI‑17 held?
The exercise was held from 17–19 January 2026 in Malé, Maldives.
What are the main objectives of Exercise DOSTI‑17?
The objectives include interoperability among coast guards, coordinated maritime operations, pollution response, and search-and-rescue drills.
What activities are conducted during the exercise?
Activities include MARPOL drills, VBSS operations (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure), tabletop exercises, and demonstrations of pollution response equipment.
Why is India’s participation in DOSTI‑17 important?
India’s participation aligns with the SAGAR doctrine and reflects its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean, fostering regional cooperation.
Which countries participate in Exercise DOSTI?
Currently, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka participate in this trilateral exercise.
What is the historical significance of Exercise DOSTI?
Started in 1991 between India and the Maldives, Exercise DOSTI became trilateral with Sri Lanka in 2012, evolving into a major maritime security collaboration.
How does Exercise DOSTI‑17 help in international exams?
Aspirants for UPSC, PSC, CAPF, NDA, CDS can refer to DOSTI‑17 for topics like maritime security, India’s foreign policy, and Indian Ocean geopolitics.
What is the SAGAR doctrine mentioned in the exercise?
SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, India’s maritime vision to ensure regional security, stability, and collaboration in the Indian Ocean.
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