Malé, Maldives – The 13th edition of ‘Ekuverin,’ the annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), has officially commenced, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Derived from the Dhivehi word for “Friends,” Ekuverin is a bilateral exercise held alternately in India and the Maldives. The 2023 edition took place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24. This year, the training is being conducted in the Maldives, reflecting the deep-rooted defense collaboration between the two countries.
The opening ceremony, held at the MNDF Composite Training Centre in Maafilafushi on Sunday, was attended by MNDF Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian. The Indian High Commission in the Maldives shared photographs of the event on X, emphasizing the significance of the exercise in strengthening regional security.
Spanning 14 days, Ekuverin 2024 is designed to enhance operational synergy between the two forces, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism strategies. The exercise also includes joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills, highlighting the commitment of both nations to regional stability and emergency response preparedness.
The Ekuverin series continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering military cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and reinforcing the long-standing friendship between India and the Maldives.
