Defense forces from India and Maldives are participating in Ekuverin, a joint military exercise between India and Maldives. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The 14th annual EKUVERIN joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) was launched in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The Ministry of Defense informed that the bilateral training engagement, scheduled from December 2 to 15, brings together a 45-strong Indian Army contingent from the Garhwal Rifles Battalion and an equal-strength MNDF contingent.
Derived from the Dhivehi word for “Friends”, EKUVERIN symbolizes the long-standing bonds of trust, friendship and military cooperation between India and the Maldives. The exercise, held alternately between the two countries since 2009, remains a cornerstone of India’s neighborhood policy and underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening defense partnerships in the Indian Ocean region, he added.
“Improve interoperability”
She further said that over the next two weeks, troops of the two countries will engage in joint training to enhance interoperability and operational synergy in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations in jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain. The exercise will include tactical exercises, joint mission planning and the exchange of best practices aimed at improving coordinated responses to shared security challenges.
EKUVERIN-14 highlights the expanding defense cooperation between India and the Maldives and reaffirms their joint commitment to regional peace, stability and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
Published – 02 Dec 2025 22:32 IST
