The twelfth iteration of the bilateral joint military exercise between India and the Maldives, known as 'Ekuverin', successfully concluded on Tuesday in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise, which translates to 'Friends' in the Maldivian Dhivehi language, is a significant annual event aimed at strengthening military cooperation and interoperability between the two Indian Ocean neighbors.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Joint Operations
The 14-day training program, which commenced on March 31, was designed to practice and refine sub-conventional operations in a semi-urban environment. A primary objective was enhancing combined abilities to execute joint tactical operations, particularly focused on counter-terrorism scenarios. Soldiers from both nations engaged in intensive drills that simulated real-world threats, fostering a shared understanding of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
According to an official statement from the Indian Army, the exercise provided an invaluable platform for the contingents to share their best practices and operational experiences. The training curriculum was comprehensive, covering a wide spectrum of critical military skills essential for modern warfare and peacekeeping.
Key Training Components and Culmination
The joint training module included several high-intensity components. Participants underwent rigorous sessions in weapon training, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation procedures. A major highlight was the focus on improvised explosive device (IED) detection and disposal, a crucial skill in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The exercise also incorporated demanding physical fitness training to ensure peak operational readiness.
The culmination of 'Ekuverin 2024' featured a 48-hour outdoor validation exercise. This final drill was designed to test the skills honed during the previous two weeks in a realistic, challenging setting. The validation exercise successfully demonstrated the enhanced synergy and coordinated operational capabilities achieved by the combined force.
Strengthening a Time-Tested Defense Partnership
The 'Ekuverin' exercise series is a cornerstone of the long-standing defense and security partnership between India and the Maldives. Alternately hosted by both countries, the exercise underscores the mutual commitment to regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This year's edition in Thiruvananthapuram follows the eleventh edition held in the Maldives in 2023.
The successful conduct of the exercise reinforces the interoperability between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It highlights the continued importance of military diplomacy and bilateral training engagements in building trust and capacity. Such collaborations are pivotal for addressing common security challenges and promoting peace in the strategically vital maritime neighborhood.
As the contingents departed, the shared experience and lessons learned from 'Ekuverin 2024' are expected to further solidify the professional bonds between the soldiers of both nations, contributing to a more secure and cooperative regional framework.
