The exercise was formally launched during an inauguration ceremony held on January 17 at Hotel Jen, Maldives Malé, bringing together the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. MNDF reported.
The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, as the Chief Guest, who highlighted the importance of continued cooperation, coordination, and interoperability among the participating coast guards.
DOSTI-17 is scheduled to be conducted in the Maldives from February 16 to 19 and will feature a series of joint maritime training activities, including search and rescue exercises, maritime surveillance, interdiction drills, communication training, and marine pollution response exercise). These activities are designed to enhance preparedness, coordination, and professional collaboration among the participating coast guards.
This year’s exercise places emphasis on practical joint training and information sharing, providing an opportunity for participating personnel to exchange expertise and strengthen professional relationships.
Originally initiated in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard and the Indian Coast Guard, DOSTI was expanded into a trilateral framework in 2012 with the inclusion of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Since then, the exercise has continued to serve as an important platform for regional maritime cooperation.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several ministers of the Maldivian Government, Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, Director General’s from the Indian and Sri Lanka Coast Guards, as well as foreign ambassadors.
