National Current Affairs
India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise
- 03 Dec 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The 14th edition of Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force began in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 2nd December 2025 and will continue until 15th December 2025.
Key Points
- Participation: A 45-member Indian Army contingent from a Garhwal Rifles battalion is training alongside a 45-member Maldives National Defence Force contingent.
- Meaning: EKUVERIN, derived from the Dhivehi word for “Friends,” reflects the deep bonds of trust and cooperation between India and the Maldives.
- Tradition: Held alternately in both countries since 2009, the exercise is a key element of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Training: Troops will conduct joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain.
- Synergy: The exercise includes joint mission planning, tactical drills and exchange of best practices to build coordinated operational responses.
- Interoperability: The aim is to improve interoperability and enhance operational synergy between the two forces.
- Stability: The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual commitment of India and the Maldives towards regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
