Male’, Maldives — The 8th edition of the India-Maldives Joint Exercise ‘Ekatha’ commenced at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Central Area Command in L.K. Addu, underscoring the two nations’ commitment to regional maritime security and operational cooperation.
The exercise brings together Indian Armed Forces personnel and MNDF marines, including specialized operational groups, to enhance joint preparedness in addressing shared maritime challenges such as surveillance, tactical operations, boarding, and search-and-rescue exercises. Senior MNDF officials, including Brigadier General Muhammad Ibrahim, Commander of the Central Area, and Indian defence attachés attended the inauguration.
India reaffirmed its support for capacity building within both the MNDF and Maldives Police Service, providing training, operational expertise, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime and security capabilities. This collaboration emphasizes India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing professional skills, technical expertise, and joint operational readiness in the Maldives.
As part of broader collaboration, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives attended the closing ceremony of the ‘Advanced Digital Forensics & Incident Response Training Program’, hosted by @RakshaUni. The program successfully enhanced Maldives’ capabilities in cybersecurity, digital investigations, and incident response, further reinforcing India’s role in supporting capacity building in security and defence sectors.
“The joint exercise and training initiatives highlight India’s dedication to supporting the Maldives in maritime security, operational excellence, and digital defence capabilities,” said an official from the Indian delegation.
The 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and ensure both countries remain prepared to address evolving maritime challenges through joint planning, coordination, and operational readiness.
