Exercise Ekuverin 2021

Context: Indian Army's contingent has left for the Maldives to participate in the Indo-Maldives joint military exercises codenamed 'Ex-Ekuverin'.

• The joint military exercises will be conducted from December 6-19 2021.

About the Exercise

• India and Maldives have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in the Maldivian language since 2009.
• It is 14 days Joint Exercise held alternatively in India and Maldives.
• This year 11th edition is going to held in Kadhdhoo Island,Maldives.
• It focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two forces for carrying out counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under the United Nations mandate.

Key Importance

• "The Exercise aims to enhance operational synergy between both Armies in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations".
• Further, exercise will enhance synergy and inter-operability between the Armed Forces of both the Nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land and at sea.
• There will be the focus on conducting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.
• Meanwhile, rigorous training, the joint military exercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations.
• Further, the exercise will go a long way in strengthening India's relations with the Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.