IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

EXERCISE DOSTI

26th February, 2024 Security

EXERCISE DOSTI

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Context

Coast Guard ships from India and Sri Lanka have reached the Maldives to take part in the biennial Coast Guard exercise Dosti 16.

Details

Exercise Dosti

  • It is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
  • The biennial exercise Dosti was last conducted in 2021. Dosti 16 is being conducted from February 22 to 25.
  • It was first conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards. Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012.
  • The exercises have focused on exercises and drills on providing assistance in sea accidents, eliminating sea pollution, and the Coast Guard’s procedures and conduct during situations such as oil spills.

Aim

  • The aim of the exercise is to further fortify the friendship, enhance mutual operational capability, and exercise interoperability and to build cooperation between the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Dosti 16

  • It is the 16th edition of the exercise.
  • The Coast Guards of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers from Bangladesh, are participating in Dosti 16 to enhance collaboration between the forces.
  • India is sending ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

"To what extent do military exercises play a role in shaping India's foreign affairs strategy, andhow do they contribute to regional security dynamics and diplomatic relations?"