India-Maldives Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’: Strengthening Bilateral Defence

The 13th edition of the joint India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ is being hosted by the Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. This biennial exercise, which alternates between India and the Maldives, is a cornerstone of the defence cooperation between the two nations. The inaugural ceremony of the 13th Ekuverin exercise was held on 2 February 2025 at the Official Composite Training Center of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) in Maafilaafushi, Maldives.

Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force, and G Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives. Their participation underscored the significance of the exercise in fostering bilateral military ties and enhancing strategic cooperation between the two nations.

About Ekuverin Exercise

The term ‘Ekuverin’ translates to ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language of the Maldives. Initiated in 2009, the exercise aims to strengthen the military partnership between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).

Key Objectives of Ekuverin

• Enhance the ability of both forces to work in coordination and partnership.
• Conduct counter-insurgency operations effectively.
• Carry out joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Structure of the Exercise

• A platoon-level contingent from both countries participates in the exercise.
• The exercise focuses on tactical drills, joint planning, and operational execution in diverse scenarios.

Historical Context

The 12th edition of Ekuverin was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from 11-24 June 2023. This edition marked another milestone in the long-standing defence relationship between India and the Maldives.

Defence Cooperation Between India and Maldives

India and the Maldives share a close political and defence relationship, with defence and security cooperation being a major area of collaboration since 1998.

Key Highlights of Defence Cooperation

• Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence (2016): This agreement consolidated the defence ties between the two nations.
• Military Hardware Gifts: India has gifted military equipment to the MNDF, enhancing their operational capabilities.
• Training Programs: Indian defence forces have trained MNDF personnel, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.

Joint Military Exercises

In addition to Ekuverin, India and the Maldives conduct several other joint military exercises to promote interoperability and close ties between their armed forces.

List of Military Exercises Between India and Maldives

Exercise Ekuverin

• Participants: Indian Army and MNDF.
• Latest Edition: 13th edition in Maldives (February 2025).
• First Edition: 2009.

Exercise Katha

• Participants: Indian Navy and the Naval wing of the MNDF.
• Latest Edition: 6th edition held in Maldives (4 June – 3 July 2023).
• First Edition: 2017.

Exercise Shield

• Participants: Indian Navy, MNDF, and Sri Lanka Navy.
• Focus: Anti-narcotics and maritime search and rescue operations.
• Latest Edition: First edition held in 2021 (virtual exercise).

Exercise Dosti

• Participants: Coast Guard of India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
• Focus: Maritime security and cooperation.
• Latest Edition: 16th edition held near Male, Maldives (22-25 February 2024).
• First Edition: Started in 1991 as an annual exercise between India and Maldives; Sri Lanka joined in 2012.

Significance of Ekuverin and Other Exercises

The Ekuverin exercise and other joint military drills play a pivotal role in:

• Strengthening bilateral defence ties.
• Enhancing operational readiness and interoperability between the forces.
• Promoting regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Building trust and camaraderie among the armed forces personnel of both nations.