India–Maldives Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN Begins in Thiruvananthapuram

The exercise aligns with India's Neighbourhood First Policy, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to building strong regional military ties and capacity-building cooperation.

The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commenced today in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, marking another milestone in the enduring defence cooperation between the two maritime neighbours. The military exercise will run from 2 to 15 December 2025.

A contingent of 45 personnel from the GARHWAL RIFLES regiment of the Indian Army is participating alongside an equal-strength contingent from the Maldives National Defence Force. The exercise continues the tradition of alternating venues between India and the Maldives, a practice maintained since the inaugural edition in 2009.

EKUVERIN, meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi, symbolizes the trust, diplomacy, and strategic partnership between the two nations. The exercise aligns with India's Neighbourhood First Policy, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to building strong regional military ties and capacity-building cooperation.

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Focus on Realistic Training and Operational Preparedness

The two-week exercise aims to enhance joint operational capability in Counter-Insurgency (CI) and Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations across diverse terrain types, including jungle, semi-urban and coastal environments—reflecting the shared maritime security challenges of the Indian Ocean Region.

Key components of the exercise include:

• Joint tactical planning and execution

• Simulation-based mission exercises

• Survival and battlefield drills

• Integrated coastal defence and response operations

• Weapon handling, fieldcraft, and close-quarter combat training

The soldiers will also participate in cultural exchanges, sports activities, and community interaction programs, reinforcing people-to-people ties beyond the military domain.

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Strengthening Regional Security Architecture

Exercise EKUVERIN holds strategic relevance as both countries share common interests in safeguarding maritime routes, combating terrorism, and maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)—a zone increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition and evolving security threats.

Officials noted that defence cooperation between India and the Maldives has grown significantly in recent years, including:

• Joint patrols and maritime domain awareness support

• Capacity-building programs and professional military education

• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support

• Counter-terrorism collaboration and intelligence sharing

The exercise further reaffirms the Maldivian Armed Forces’ operational exposure and India’s role as a trusted defence partner.

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Looking Ahead

The outcomes of Exercise EKUVERIN 2025 are expected to strengthen operational interoperability, enhance border and maritime security preparedness, and build long-term trust among the armed forces of both nations.

The exercise underscores a shared vision for a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean and reinforces the belief that collective preparedness is key to addressing modern security challenges.