What is Exercise Dosti?

About Exercise Dosti

• It is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
• It is a biennial exercise.
• It was first conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards.
• Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012. Dosti was last conducted in 2021.
• 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.
• The aim of the exercise is to further fortify the friendship, enhance mutual operational capability, exercise interoperability and 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, is participating in Dosti 16 to enhance collaboration between the forces.
  • India is sending ICGS Samarth (with integral helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.

Q1) What is the Indian Coast Guard?

It is an armed force that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. It was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India.It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

Source: Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise 'Dosti 16' Kicks Off In Maldives Amid Security Concerns