India, Sri Lanka, Maldives Begin Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise Dosti-17

India, Sri Lanka and Maldives organized the 17th trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘Dosti 17’ in Maldives. The biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘Dosti 17’ started in Male, Maldives.

• On 17 January, 2026, the 17th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘Dosti 17’ between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard started in Male, Maldives.
• This biennial maritime exercise was held from 17 to 19 January, 2026.

About Exercise Dosti

• It was started in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between ICG and MNDF Coast Guard, and in 2012 it was expanded into a trilateral exercise by including Sri Lanka.
• Previous edition: The previous Dosti exercise was held in Maldives in February, 2024.
• India is being represented by a four-member ICG delegation led by Director General (DG) Paramesh Shivmani, while Sri Lanka is being represented by SLCG DG Admiral Rohan Joseph.
• The harbour phase was held from 17-19 January, 2026 and was followed by an operational sea phase.

Harbour phase:

• Focus: This exercise emphasizes cooperative MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) based marine pollution response exercise, while promoting mutual learning among participants and strengthening operational capabilities.
• VBSS and SOPs: Conducts joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises and develops cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance coordination.
• Activities: Include live demonstrations of pollution response equipment and tabletop exercises.

Sea phase:

• Participants: ICG ships and aircraft will participate to test operational coordination in open sea conditions.
• Operations: Focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and tactical maritime security exercises.
• Strategic Vision: This exercise supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and Neighbourhood First policy by promoting regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

• Director General (DG) – Paramesh Shivmani
• Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
• Established – 1977
• Motto – Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)