Tue Dec 02 17:02:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided information:
India and Maldives Commence Joint Military Exercise “Ekuverin-14”
Thiruvananthapuram, India – December 2, 2025 – The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise “Ekuverin” between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) began today in Thiruvananthapuram, India.
A 45-member contingent from the Indian Army’s Garhwal Rifles battalion is participating alongside an equal number of MNDF personnel in the bilateral training engagement, which is scheduled to run from December 2nd to 15th.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized the exercise’s significance in reinforcing the strong bonds of trust and military cooperation between the two nations. “Ekuverin,” derived from the Dhivehi word for “Friends,” is held alternately in India and the Maldives since 2009 and serves as a cornerstone of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Over the next two weeks, troops will focus on enhancing interoperability and operational synergy in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across diverse terrains, including jungle, semi-urban, and coastal environments. The exercise will encompass tactical drills, joint mission planning, and the exchange of best practices to improve coordinated responses to shared security challenges.
Ekuverin-14 underscores the growing defense cooperation between India and the Maldives and reaffirms their commitment to regional peace, stability, and maritime security within the Indian Ocean Region.
First Piper 