The 16th edition of the India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral coast guard exercise ‘Dosti’ recently commenced in the Maldives, aiming to fortify cooperation for maritime security.
About Exercise Dosti
- Annual coast guard joint exercise started in 1991 between India and Maldives
- Sri Lanka joined for the first time in 2012
- Held alternatively between the three Indian Ocean partners
Key Focus Areas
- Coordinated patrols, communication drills and search & rescue demonstrations
- Exercising regional response to illegal maritime activities
- Enhancing interoperability for combined operations at sea
Objectives
- Sharpen common understanding of procedures and best practices
- Strengthen professional interaction between coast guard crew
- Enable real-time knowledge exchange on key capabilities
2022 Edition Highlights
- 16th iteration being attended by Bangladesh and Seychelles officials as observers
- Exercise conducted despite economic crisis in Sri Lanka highlighting cooperation spirit
- Opportunity for India to reaffirm its vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in Region)
Significance for India
- Enables India to secure strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region
- Opportunity to support ‘Neighbourhood First’ and SAGAR policies
- Showcases indigenous capabilities through assets deployment
- Chance to display responsible leadership and win confidence of IOR players
Historical Perspective
Genesis
- Started as bi-lateral exercise to bolster India-Maldives maritime bonds
- Expanded scope to enable Sri Lanka’s inclusion in 2012
- Reflects deep civilizational links and cooperation potential
Geopolitical Context
- Initiated post 2008 Mumbai attacks to counter terror threats via sea route
- Aimed to shape positive maritime environment in the region
- Response to China’s increasing naval presence in IOR those years
Evolving Format & Scale
- Initial editions conducted as table top exercises and mutual visits
- Graduated to sea-based joint drills involving multiple assets, contingents
- Scale expanded over the years to improve complexity and coordination
Sharing Best Practices
Regional Experience Sharing
- Opportunity for India to provide specialized NRBC response team inputs
- Initiative for enhancing pollution response capabilities in Sri Lanka
- Assist in CIIS software adoption for streamlined information exchange
Fostering Interoperability
- Facilitate common communication governing procedures
- Enable seamless joint patrol with multi-lateral formations
- Standardize boarding/inspection protocols for versatile deployment
Boosting Maritime Capabilities
Surface Warfare Drills
- Complex maneuvers, tactical interception simulations
- Live firing, combat search and rescue exercises
- Navigation competency honing in multilateral environment
Aviation Operations Integration
- Control, interception skills refinement from air
- Fleet air arm synergies with ships and boats below
- Para dropping exercises involving marine commandos
Strengthening Outreach
Building Bonds, SAGAR Vision Quest
- Furthers trust, camaraderie at personnel level
- Cultural integration activities like friendly sports
- Solidifies shared security objectives beyond military aims
Strategic Signaling
- Reinforces India’s reliable partner tag in the Indian Ocean
- Reaffirms committed leadership to friends in the region
- Deters adversarial naval posturing in the sensitive maritime backyard
Future Templates for Cooperative Models
Information Management Protocols
- Automated data exchange avenues between coast guards
- Seamless interoperability across CMS & VMS systems
- AI-enabled analysis integrating multi-source inputs
Joint Standard Operating Procedures
- Align transnational SOPs for prolonged deployments
- Evolve common blueprints managing cargo vessel traffic
- Enable shared situational awareness to avoid mishaps
Personnel Exchange Goals
- Structured exposure goals for sailors across vessels
- Joint doctrine assimilation through regular placements
- Building deep expertise in regional best practices
Expanding the Grid
Widening Participation
- Scope to include other willing and capable IOR countries
- Gradually upskill smaller IOR islands lacking robust coast guards
- Tailor cooperative objectives as per strengths of stakeholders
Hot-Spot Layering
- Extend versions closer to piracy prone Somalia/Gulf of Aden
- Assist East African states in securing extended mineral SLOCs
- Help disaster-prone areas with dedicated HADR demonstrations
