The 14th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN, the annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commenced today with an opening ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The two-week exercise brings together personnel from both forces to enhance interoperability, coordination and joint readiness. This year’s training focuses on Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) operations across semi-urban, jungle and coastal terrain—environments selected to simulate a range of real-world operational challenges.
Senior officials from both India and the Maldives attended the ceremony, where they highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in maintaining security and stability in the region.
Background
Exercise EKUVERIN—meaning “friends” in Dhivehi—was first launched in 2009 and has since become a cornerstone of defence cooperation between India and the Maldives. The exercise is conducted annually, with the location alternating between the two countries. The previous edition was hosted in the Maldives, while this year’s takes place in India.
Over the years, EKUVERIN has expanded from basic tactical drills to a comprehensive operational training platform, incorporating joint mission planning, close-quarter combat training, tactical simulations, and disaster-response coordination. The exercise plays a key role in strengthening military-to-military ties and enhancing the ability of both forces to operate together during crises.
Regional Significance
Officials emphasised that the exercise reflects the trust, friendship, and longstanding defence partnership between the two countries. With growing security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, including maritime threats, radicalisation and transnational crime, both nations view EKUVERIN as an essential mechanism to build joint preparedness and reinforce shared security priorities.
The closing ceremony for Exercise EKUVERIN 2025 is scheduled for mid-December, following a field training exercise showcasing the combined capabilities of MNDF and the Indian Army.
