Indo-Maldives joint military exercise commences

New Delhi: The 12th edition of the joint military exercise "Ex Ekuverin" between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise, which started on 11 June, will continue until 24 June, 2023, the defence ministry said.

Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives.

The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in counter insurgency/counter terrorism operations under the UN mandate. Additionally, it aims to facilitate joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, it added.

A platoon strength contingent from the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force will be participating in the 14-day exercise. The focus is to share best practices, enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level.

The previous edition of the exercise, the 11th edition, was held in the Maldives in December 2021. The defence cooperation between India and the Maldives extends beyond joint exercises to include assistance 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," the ministry said.