During the 16th edition of the India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral exercise "Dosti," with Bangladesh participating as an observer, ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier vessels arrived in Male.

According to local media reports citing the Marine Traffic website, the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 was observed moored close to Male City, with its location near Thilafushi.

The Maldives government granted permission for the vessel, equipped for research and surveys, to dock at Male Port on January 23. Authorities stated that the vessel's stopover was approved solely for replenishment purposes and affirmed that it would not conduct any research activities while in Maldivian waters.

India has conveyed its concern regarding the movement of the Xiang Yang Hong 03 vessel in Indian Ocean waters and exerted pressure on Sri Lanka to deny permission for the ship to dock at Colombo port.

In February, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserted that the ship's activities were in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In response to inquiries about the research ship's intention to dock at the Maldives, Chinese spokesperson Wang stated that China's scientific research activities in relevant waters are peaceful and aimed at contributing to humanity's scientific understanding of the ocean.

The Coast Guards of Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers from Bangladesh, convened for the Trilateral Joint Exercise 'Dosti-16.'

The MNDF welcomed participating ships from India and Sri Lanka for the biennial event, scheduled from February 22 to 25. MNDF emphasized the aim of enhancing collaboration between the forces in a post on X, accompanied by photos of the two vessels.

The Indian Coast Guard ship's visit to the Maldives coincides with Male's request for the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who are stationed at three Indian aviation platforms in the island nation by March 15.

Image source: The Hindu