Exercise Dosti-11 ongoing

A trilateral training program involving India, Sri Lanka and Maldives has begun this morning.

Titled Exercise Dosti-11, it commenced with training on maritime rescue, transfer of items from one marine vessel to another by air, rescue and treatment by helicopter, and recue of hijacked ships with hostages.

A display of Sri Lankan Cost Guard transporting a person in critical condition to Male’ with the aid of Indian helicopters was conducted in the morning. This was followed by the rescue - by Indian Coast Guard Ship, their helicopter, and Maldivian Coast Guard - of a vessel which had been taken hostage.

Also, an Indian aircraft and Coast Guard Ship rescued a vessel lost at sea; a drowning person was saved by a helicopter; and training was conducted to transfer items between Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guard Ships by air.

Two Indian Coast Guard Ships, one Indian aircraft, one Indian helicopter, three Maldivian Coast Guard vessels, and one Sri Lankan Coast Guard Ship participate in Exercise Dosti-11.

The Exercise was observed by Maldives Defence Minister, senior officers of Maldives Police, and senior officers of Sri Lankan and Indian Coast Guard. Maldivian journalists were given the opportunity to cover the event from an Indian Coast Guard Ship.

Maldives and India have collaborated in conducting Exercise Dosti since 1991, with Sri Lanka taking part this year for the first time. The Exercise will continue until Friday.