Male, Feb 3: The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has officially commenced in the Maldives, marking another step in strengthening bilateral defense ties.
‘Ekuverin’, meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi, is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and the Maldives. The 2023 edition took place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.
The current two-week-long exercise began on Sunday, with an opening ceremony at MNDF Composite Training Centre, Maafilafushi. The Indian High Commission in Maldives shared details and photographs of the event on social media.
Key Dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony
Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Maldives National Defence Force Chief
G Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives
Objectives of ‘Ekuverin 2025’
The 14-day exercise aims to:
Enhance interoperability between Indian and Maldivian forces in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Improve coordination for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
This military collaboration underscores the growing strategic and security partnership between India and the Maldives, reinforcing regional stability and cooperation.
