Kerala (India), December 1 (ANI): The 14th edition of the annual India–Maldives bilateral exercise EKUVERIN will take place in Thiruvananthapuram from December 2–15, according to the Indian Army.
In a post on X, the Army noted that the exercise will be conducted between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability during counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations in semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrain.
It added that with an emphasis on integrating niche technology, the two countries will share best practices, reflecting their shared commitment to peace and security in the region.
“Exercise EKUVERIN 2025—the 14th edition of the annual bilateral Exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces—will be conducted from December 2 to 15 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability while carrying out counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations in semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrain. It focuses on integration of niche technology to enhance interoperability while sharing best practices, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Maldives towards peace and security in the region, while further deepening defense cooperation, camaraderie, and mutual trust between both armies,” the post said.
Ekuverin, meaning “friends,” is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternately in India and the Maldives. It is one of three major joint exercises between the two countries. The bilateral exercises are Ekuverin and Ekatha, while the trilateral exercise Dosti—also involving Sri Lanka—is held regularly based on mutually agreed dates.
India and the Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial links rooted in antiquity. Relations between the two nations have remained close, cordial, and multi-dimensional. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India was among the first countries to recognize the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations.
India’s strategic role in the Maldives is widely recognized, with India viewed as a net security provider. The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s “Neighborhood First” foreign policy, which seeks to promote stability and prosperity across the Indian Ocean Region.
Both nations are key contributors to maintaining safety and security in the region, advancing India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.
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