13th Edition of India-Maldives Military Exercise 'Ekuverin'
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 13th Edition of India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise 'Ekuverin' |
| Dates | 2-15 February 2025 |
| Location | Maafilaafushi, Maldives |
| Host | Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) |
| Inauguration Ceremony | Held on 2 February 2025 at the Official Composite Training Center, Maafilaafushi |
| Dignitaries Present | Major General Ibrahim Hilmy (Chief of MNDF), G Balasubramanian (Indian High Commissioner) |
| Meaning of 'Ekuverin' | 'Friends' in Dhivehi language |
| First Edition | 2009 |
| Participants | Platoon-level contingent from Indian Army and MNDF |
| Key Objectives | - Enhance coordination and partnership- Conduct counter-insurgency operations- Joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations |
| Structure | Tactical drills, joint planning, and operational execution in diverse scenarios |
| Previous Edition | 12th Edition held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand (11-24 June 2023) |
| Defence Cooperation | - Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence (2016)- Military hardware gifts from India- Training programs for MNDF personnel |
| Other Joint Exercises | - Exercise Katha: Indian Navy and MNDF Naval wing (6th edition in 2023)- Exercise Shield: Indian Navy, MNDF, Sri Lanka Navy (1st edition in 2021)- Exercise Dosti: Coast Guard of India, Maldives, Sri Lanka (16th edition in 2024) |
| Significance | - Strengthens bilateral defence ties- Enhances operational readiness and interoperability- Promotes regional security in the Indian Ocean Region- Builds trust and camaraderie among armed forces personnel |