The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commenced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on December 2, 2025, and will continue until December 15, 2025. The Indian Army contingent consists of 45 personnel from a battalion of the GARHWAL RIFLES, participating alongside an equal-strength Maldivian contingent represented by the MNDF. EKUVERIN, meaning 'Friends' in Dhivehi, signifies the strong relationship between the two nations. The exercise, conducted alternately in both countries since 2009, aims to enhance interoperability and operational synergy in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain. Troops from both sides will share best practices, tactical drills and joint operational planning to address common security challenges in the region. The exercise reflects India and the Maldives' commitment to regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The release ID is 2197611, and the visitor count is 4344. The information is disseminated by PIB Delhi on December 2, 2025, at 4:39 PM.
Key Entities Referenced
Exercise EKUVERIN: Joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), conducted alternately in both countries.
Indian Army: One of the participants in the joint military exercise EKUVERIN.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF): One of the participants in the joint military exercise EKUVERIN.
India's Neighbourhood First Policy: Referenced policy that highlights India's commitment to building enduring defence partnerships with friendly nations, particularly with the Maldives.
Kerala: Location where the joint military exercise EKUVERIN commences.
Ministry of Defence
INDIA- MALDIVES JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE
EKUVERIN COMMENCES IN KERALA
प्रव तथ: 02 DEC 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi
The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN between the Indian Army and the Maldives
National Defence Force (MNDF) has commenced at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala today. The exercise will
be conducted from 02 to 15 December 2025. The Indian Army contingent of 45 personnel, represented by
a battalion of the GARHWAL RIFLES, is participating alongside an equal-strength Maldivian contingent
represented by the MNDF.
EKUVERIN in Dhivehi translates to ‘Friends’, underscoring the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, mutual
trust and military cooperation between the two nations. Conducted alternately in both countries since
2009, Exercise EKUVERIN continues to be a shining example of India's Neighbourhood First Policy and
its commitment to building enduring defence partnerships with friendly nations.
The two-week-long exercise aims to enhance interoperability and operational synergy in Counter-
Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain. It will witness
participation of troops from both sides sharing best practices, tactical drills and joint operational planning
to strengthen their capability to respond to common security challenges in the region.
The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual commitment of India and the Maldives
towards regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region._____________________________________________________________
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(रलीज़ आईडी: 2197611) आगंतुक पटल : 4344
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