Why is in news? Joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army & the Maldives National Defence Force
- The 12th edition of joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army & the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24 June 2023.
- Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives.
- A platoon strength contingent from Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force will be participating in 14 days long exercise.
- The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and carry out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
- The focus is to share best practices, enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level.
- The 11th edition of the exercise was held in Maldives in December 2021.
- The defence cooperation between the two countries extends from joint exercises to assisting Maldives with defence training and equipment requirements.
- Both the nations have very close and friendly relations in economic, cultural and military cooperation.
- ‘Ex Ekuverin’ will assist in further bolstering of these ties between the two nations.
- Other exercises - “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield”.
UPSC / PCM - 2026 / NEW REGULAR BATCH STARTS ON SEP-5, 2025 
