DOSTI-17 Coast Guard Exercise Strengthens Trilateral Maritime Cooperation

India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives concluded the 17th edition of the trilateral Coast Guard exercise DOSTI on January 19, 2026, reinforcing regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Hosted by the Maldives, the exercise was formally inaugurated on January 17 at Hotel Jen in Malé and focused on practical joint training, operational coordination and information sharing among the three neighbouring maritime forces.

Objectives and Strategic Significance

Exercise DOSTI-17 aimed to enhance interoperability and collaborative mechanisms to address non-traditional maritime security challenges, including pollution response, illegal activities at sea and search-and-rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard stated that the exercise reflects a shared commitment to collective maritime security and capacity building among regional partners.

Sea and Harbour Phase Activities

A key trilateral maritime drill was conducted on January 18, involving the Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard. The harbour phase, held in Malé, featured collaborative MARPOL drills onboard ICGS Vajra at Malé Anchorage, along with joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises. These activities were designed to improve operational synergy and mutual understanding among participating personnel.

Capacity Building and Defence Diplomacy

The exercise also highlighted India’s defence diplomacy efforts in the region. During DOSTI-17, India transferred berthing items to the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, contributing to capacity enhancement and closer bilateral defence ties. Officials noted that such engagements align with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and neighbourhood-first policy, underscoring its commitment to regional stability.

What to Note for UPSC Prelims?

• DOSTI is a trilateral Coast Guard exercise involving India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
• The 17th edition was hosted by the Maldives in January 2026.
• MARPOL drills focus on prevention of marine pollution from ships.
• SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Enhancing Regional Maritime Security

Live demonstrations of pollution response equipment, tabletop exercises and cross-boarding standard operating procedures formed an important part of the harbour phase. These initiatives strengthened camaraderie and professional linkages, reinforcing the trilateral commitment to maintaining a secure, stable and rules-based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.