DOSTI-17 and Indian Ocean Maritime Cooperation

Strategic Context of DOSTI-17

DOSTI-17 and Indian Ocean Maritime Cooperation: Exercise DOSTI-17 marks a renewed phase of maritime cooperation among India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The trilateral exercise is being conducted in Malé, the capital of Maldives, reflecting deepening regional trust and coordination.

The drill strengthens collective security mechanisms in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime zones. The region carries a major share of global trade routes and energy transportation corridors, making maritime stability critical.

Static GK fact: The Indian Ocean is the world’s third-largest ocean and connects Asia, Africa, and Australia through vital sea lanes.

Nature of Exercise DOSTI

Exercise DOSTI is a trilateral maritime security exercise involving the navies and coast guards of the three countries. The word “DOSTI” means friendship, symbolising cooperation-based security rather than power-based dominance.

The exercise focuses on operational coordination, communication interoperability, and mutual trust-building. Core activities include search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance drills, and communication exercises.

These components strengthen the capacity of participating forces to respond collectively to emergencies and maritime threats.

Maritime Security Dimensions

The exercise directly addresses non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, maritime accidents, and marine pollution. These threats often transcend national boundaries and require coordinated responses.

Joint drills improve crisis response time, information sharing systems, and command coordination structures. This enhances the region’s overall maritime domain awareness, allowing better monitoring of shared waters.

Static GK Tip: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) refers to effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime environment that could impact security, economy, or environment.

India’s Strategic Role

India’s participation aligns with its regional doctrine of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Through such exercises, India promotes capacity building, technical cooperation, and regional stability frameworks.

India’s role strengthens its position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Regular joint exercises enhance interoperability between regional naval forces and reinforce collective defence preparedness.

The participation of Maldives and Sri Lanka reflects shared security interests and institutionalised regional trust mechanisms.

Evolution of the DOSTI Framework

Exercise DOSTI began in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between India and Maldives. Sri Lanka joined in 2012, transforming it into a trilateral security framework.

The exercise follows a biennial cycle, creating long-term continuity in maritime cooperation. It has evolved from basic coordination drills to complex disaster response, pollution control, and maritime safety operations.

Static GK fact: Coast Guard forces are primarily responsible for maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and coastal security operations.

Regional Security Significance

DOSTI-17 reflects a shift towards cooperative maritime security architecture in South Asia. Instead of isolated national strategies, the focus is now on collective security management.

Such frameworks reduce security dilemmas, improve crisis predictability, and strengthen regional resilience against transnational threats.

The exercise contributes to long-term Indian Ocean stability, ensuring protection of sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and economic security corridors.

Static GK Tip: Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) are critical maritime routes essential for global trade and energy transport.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

DOSTI-17 and Indian Ocean Maritime Cooperation: