Exercise Ekuverin/Ekatha

Exercise Ekuverin/Ekatha is a bilateral military exercise between India and the Maldives, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries.
Participating forces: Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

Nature of exercise:
Joint military training exercise
Conducted alternately in India and the Maldives

Meaning of the name:
Ekuverin (Dhivehi language) means “Friends”, reflecting the close defence and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Objectives of Exercise Ekuverin / Ekatha
Enhance interoperability
Improve coordination and operational understanding between the Indian Army and MNDF.
Counter-insurgency & counter-terrorism training
Joint drills focusing on real-world security scenarios.
Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
Practice responses to natural disasters, which is crucial for island nations like the Maldives.

Capacity building
Share best practices, tactical skills, and professional military knowledge.
Strengthen bilateral defence ties
Reinforce trust, friendship, and long-term security cooperation.

Major Components of the Exercise
Joint tactical drills
Combat training and field exercises
Medical assistance and casualty evacuation drills
Command post and planning exercises
Cultural and sports interactions (to build camaraderie)

Strategic Significance
Indian Ocean security:
The exercise contributes to stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Neighbourhood First Policy:
Aligns with India’s commitment to prioritise relations with its immediate neighbours.
Capacity building of MNDF:
Helps Maldives enhance its defence preparedness and disaster-response capabilities.
Regional stability:
Promotes peace, cooperation, and a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean.