13th Edition of India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise 'Ekuverin' Kicks Off in Maalifushi.
International
The 13th edition of the joint military exercise 'Ekuverin' between the Indian Army (IA) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commenced in the island nation of Maldives. On February 2, 2025, the inaugural ceremony was held at the Official Composite Training Center of the MNDF in Maalifushi, Maldives. The event was attended by Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of the MNDF, and G Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India (HCI).
- The 14-day exercise is scheduled to take place from February 2 to February 15, 2025.
- The Ekuverin exercise is a bilateral annual military exercise between India and the Maldives, conducted since 2009 to enhance defense cooperation and interoperability. The word "Ekuverin" means "Friends" in the Dhivehi language. The 12th edition of the exercise was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, India, from June 11 to 24, 2023.
- The Ekuverin exercise is conducted alternately between India and the Maldives, involving platoon-level contingents from both nations. It aims to enhance interoperability in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations while also facilitating joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Main Point :- (i) India and the Maldives have maintained strong political and defense ties, with defense and security cooperation being a key focus since 1998.
(ii) In 2016, both nations signed the 'Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence' to further strengthen their military partnership.
(iii) India and the Maldives also conduct the military exercise 'Katha,' involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Naval wing of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The 6th edition of this exercise was held in the Maldives from June 4 to July 3, 2023.
About Maldives
President : Mohamed Muizzu
Capital : Malé
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