Ekuverin(Indo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise)

12-Jun-2023: Indo-Maldives joint military exercise "Ekuverin" commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand

The 12th edition of joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army & the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24 June 2023. Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives.

A platoon strength contingent from Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force will be participating in 14 days long exercise. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and carry out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The focus is to share best practices, enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level.

The 11th edition of the exercise was held in Maldives in December 2021. The defence cooperation between the two countries extends from joint exercises to assisting Maldives with defence training and equipment requirements. Both the nations have very close and friendly relations in economic, cultural and military cooperation. ‘Ex Ekuverin’ will assist in further bolstering of these ties between the two nations.

2021

5-Dec-2021: Indian Army contingent leaves for 11th edition of joint Indo-Maldives training exercise 'Ex Ekuverin'

11th Edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India & Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives from 06 to 19 December 2021.

The exercise will enhance synergy & inter-operability between Armed Forces of both the Nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land & at sea, conducting Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.

Besides rigorous training, the joint military exercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations. The exercise will go a long way in strengthening India’s relations with Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.

2019

3-Oct-2019: Curtain raiser Indo Maldives joint Ex Ekuverin – 19 at Aundh Mil Stn, Pune from 07 to 20 Oct 19

Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise Ekuverin between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force will be organised from 07 to 20 October 2019 at Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharashtra. The Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language since 2009. The 14 days Joint Exercise held alternatively in India and Maldives focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two forces for carrying out counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under the United Nations mandate.

The focus of the exercise will be on sharing of best practices and acquainting each other with the operating procedures being followed while undertaking counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The last exercise was held in 2018 at Northern Area Headquarters, Lh. Maafilaafushi of Maldives. India shares very close ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial ties with the Maldives and Exercise Ekuverin will assist in further strengthening of these ties between the two nations.

2017

16-Dec-2017: India-Maldives bilateral military exercise held in Belagavi.

Exercise Ekuverin 2017, joint military exercise between Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force commenced at Maratha Light Infantry Centre, Belgaum.

The Opening Ceremony included Fly Past by Army Aviation followed by review of parade by Commandant Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre. The Pipes & Drums Band of Sirmoor Rifles carried out a spectacular display while the traditional sword display by Sikh troops of BEG, Kirkee mesmerized the audience.

The 14 days training exercise is being carried out by the Sirmoor Rifles of Indian Army and Marine troops of Maldives National Defence Force. Exercise Ekuverin will enhance interoperability between the two forces for Counter terrorist operations in semi-urban environment .

Starting 2009, Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force have been holding Exercise Ekuverin, meaning ‘friends’ in the Maldivian language, in their countries on alternate years. The last one was held at Kaddhoo in the Lammu Atoll of the tiny Indian Ocean nation.