This was the 11th edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldivian armed forces….reports Asian Lite News
India and Maldives on Sunday concluded the two-week long joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ at Kadhdhoo Island of Maldives. The Exercise was successful in strengthening defence cooperation between both nations, said the Indian Army.
“India Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex Ekuverin’ culminated after a validation exercise based on amphibious landing and counter-terrorism operations,” said the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army).
The 14 day joint military exercise between India and Maldives had begun on December 6, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
This was the 11th edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldivian armed forces.
The exercise will enhance synergy inter-operability between armed forces of both the nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land and at sea, conducting counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations and sharing best military practices and experiences, the Ministry added.
Besides rigorous training, the joint military exercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations, it informed.
The exercise will go a long way in strengthening India’s relations with Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, the Ministry had added.
The Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces have been conducting exercise ‘Ekuverin’ meaning ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language since 2009.
Since 1988, defence and security has been a major area of cooperation between India and Maldives.
India has adopted a very flexible and accommodating approach in meeting Maldivian requirements of defence training and equipment.
India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
A Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was also signed in April 2016 to consolidate defence partnership.
Last month, Maldives Defence Minister, Mariya Didi on a visit to India had said New Delhi’s assistance for Maldivian defence forces is especially critical to increase our professionalism, operational capacity and expand our capabilities
While addressing the Passing Out Parade (POP) – Autumn Term at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, she said the defence cooperation partnership between Maldives and India is one that is based on equality, mutual trust and benefit and a deep desire to ensure the safety and security of both the nations, and by extension, the greater Indian Ocean Region. (India News Network)