- The 14th edition of the annual bilateral military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between India and Maldives has commenced in Thiruvananthapuram.
- This joint military training is being conducted from 2 December to 15 December 2025.
- The exercise reflects the long-term defence partnership of both countries and their shared commitment towards regional security.
- In this exercise, soldiers from the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are jointly participating.
- The main objective is to strengthen cooperation in Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Counter-Insurgency (CI) operations.
- The training is being provided in jungle, semi-urban and coastal areas in accordance with potential real military scenarios.
- In this year’s exercise, special emphasis is being laid on the use and integration of modern defence technologies.
- This exercise plays an important role in enhancing interoperability, that is, joint operational capability between the two armies.
- Through joint drills and experience sharing, tactical efficiency, coordination ability and military friendship are being further deepened.
- The word ‘Ekuverin’ means “friend” in the Dhivehi language, emphasizing the closeness of the two countries.
- ‘Ekuverin’ is a major bilateral military exercise hosted alternately by India and Maldives.
- This exercise provides a strong foundation not only for India-Maldives defence cooperation but also for other exercises such as ‘Ex Ekatha’ and ‘Dosti’ with Sri Lanka.
- It should be remembered that the trilateral exercise between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka is named “Dosti”.
- This exercise supports India’s Neighborhood First policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
- India is the major security partner of Maldives in the Indian Ocean region.
- This joint military training strengthens maritime security, counter-terrorism cooperation and regional stability.
