In News:

The 14th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This bilateral military exercise is conducted between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) to strengthen defence cooperation and interoperability.

Ekuverin means “Friends” in the Dhivehi language, underscoring the close bilateral ties between the two nations.

Purpose and Focus

Exercise EKUVERIN is designed to:

• Enhance interoperability between Indian and Maldivian armed forces.
• Conduct Counter-Insurgency (CI) and Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations.
• Operate in diverse environments including semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrains.
• Promote integration of niche technologies and joint operational best practices.

The exercise reflects the shared commitment of India and the Maldives towards maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It also allows both militaries to exchange expertise on tactical operations and civil-military cooperation in crisis scenarios.

Historical Context

• Inception: The first edition of Exercise EKUVERIN was held in 2009.
• It is one of the three major military exercises between India and the Maldives.
• Conduct Cycle: The exercise is held annually, with hosting duties alternating between the two countries.

Other India–Maldives Military Exercises

• Ekatha: Another bilateral exercise focused on both security and defence collaboration.
• Dosti: A trilateral exercise including Sri Lanka, which broadens regional cooperation.

Strategic Significance

Exercise EKUVERIN is significant in the context of:

• Regional Security Architecture: Enhancing mutual military readiness in the Indian Ocean.
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Strengthening joint frameworks for addressing extremist threats.
• Defence Diplomacy: Cementing India’s role as a security partner for island states like the Maldives.
• Technology Integration: Sharing best practices in modern warfare and tactical solutions.

India–Maldives Relations

India was among the first countries to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and establish diplomatic relations.The two nations share:

• Ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial links rooted in history.
• A convergent vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the IOR.

Military exercises such as EKUVERIN and Ekatha reflect trust and deepening defence ties, contributing to India’s broader Neighbourhood First and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policies.