EKUVERIN 2025 In Pics: India-Maldives Defence Cooperation In Action As Troops Conduct Counter-Terrorism Ops
‘Ekuverin’, meaning Friends in Dhivehi, aptly reflects the growing defence cooperation, shared trust and mutual commitment. Image courtesy: X.com/@PRODefPune
What better way to show true bonhomie than military drills, where the name itself translates to ‘friends’. In a significant boost to India’s regional defence cooperation, the 14th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN, joint military drill between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), is currently underway in Thiruvananthapuram.
The two-week exercise, which runs from December 2 to 15, brings together soldiers from the Indian Army’s Southern Command and a 45-member contingent of the Garhwal Rifles, alongside an equal-strength MNDF team.
Held annually since 2009 and alternated between India and the Maldives, the exercise embodies the Dhivehi word “Ekuverin,” meaning “friends,” reflecting the trust and continuity of the relationship. It also reinforces New Delhi’s Neighbourhood First policy and its strategic commitment to deepen military ties across the Indian Ocean Region.
Exercise EKUVERIN: How this bilateral exercise boost joint combat readiness?
This year’s edition places a strong emphasis on improving interoperability, a key component of modern multinational operations. Troops are engaged in a range of mission-driven training modules including counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations.
Additionally, they are also practising tactical manoeuvres across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrains, amphibious operations simulating rapid response missions, along with combined tactical drills focused on mission planning and coordinated execution.
By sharing best practices and strengthening tactical cohesion, both armies aim to refine their ability to operate seamlessly as a unified force during real-world contingencies.
Why is this exercise crucial for the Indian Ocean Region?
Beyond battlefield preparedness, Exercise EKUVERIN serves a broader strategic purpose. It reinforces India’s commitment to regional stability, strengthens its security partnerships with neighbouring militaries, and helps build a collaborative security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
At a time of evolving maritime challenges and emerging transnational threats, the joint drill acts as a confidence-building measure, ensuring both nations can coordinate effectively during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and security operations.
Defence and security has been a major area of cooperation between India and Maldives since 1988. India has adopted a very flexible and accommodating approach in meeting Maldivian requirements of defence training and equipment. Meanwhile, Ekuverin is one of the three major joint exercises between India and the Maldives.
