Why in news?
The 14th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, the annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), is scheduled to take place in December 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in counter‑insurgency and counter‑terrorism operations and strengthen defence cooperation between the two island nations.
Background
Exercise Ekuverin (meaning “friends” in Dhivehi) began in 2009. It is conducted alternatively in India and the Maldives. Designed to foster mutual understanding and share best practices, the drills cover tactical training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. India and the Maldives also cooperate through other maritime exercises: Ekatha (Coast Guard exercise) and Dosti (a trilateral coast guard exercise with Bangladesh).
Key aspects of the 14th edition
- Training focus: The exercise will simulate counter‑insurgency and counter‑terrorism operations in semi‑urban, jungle and coastal environments. Participating troops will practise cordon‑and‑search operations, room interventions, casualty evacuation, unarmed combat and joint planning.
- Humanitarian assistance: Besides combat drills, personnel will train in disaster response, including rescue and relief operations during floods or cyclones. Such training improves coordination during natural disasters in the Indian Ocean region.
- People‑to‑people ties: Cultural exchanges and sports competitions are organised alongside military activities to foster camaraderie and mutual respect between the armies.
- Alternating venues: Previous editions have been held in Maafilaafushi (Maldives), Belgaum (Karnataka) and other locations. Holding the exercise in different environments exposes soldiers to varied terrains.
Significance
Exercise Ekuverin strengthens defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, two close maritime neighbours. It enhances the ability of both armies to operate together against common threats such as terrorism, piracy and trafficking. The exercise also reflects India’s broader role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region and reaffirms its commitment to the stability and development of small island countries.
Source: NOA