Understanding EKUVERIN: The Joint Military Exercise of 2025

Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN 2025: An Overview

The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN commenced on 2 December 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This exercise will run until 15 December 2025, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at improving operational preparedness and defence cooperation between India and the Maldives.

What is Exercise EKUVERIN?

EKUVERIN translates to "Friends" in Dhivehi, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship and military ties between India and the Maldives. This exercise has been conducted annually in alternating locations since 2009, serving as:

• A flagship initiative of India's Neighbourhood First Policy
• A demonstration of commitment to regional stability and defence partnership

Participants and Troop Composition

This year's exercise involves:

• 45 personnel from the Indian Army, represented by a battalion of the GARHWAL RIFLES
• An equal number of troops from the MNDF

This symmetry reflects the spirit of reciprocity, confidence-building, and shared learning.

Key Training Objectives

The two-week-long joint drill focuses on several critical areas:

• Counter-Insurgency (CI) operations
• Counter-Terrorism (CT) tactics
• Joint action in jungle, semi-urban, and coastal terrain

Troops from both nations will engage in tactical simulations, field training, and best-practice sharing to enhance operational planning. These activities aim to foster interoperability, synergy, and responsiveness to evolving security challenges.

Importance of Exercise EKUVERIN

This exercise significantly strengthens:

• Military-to-military cooperation
• Trust-based defence diplomacy
• Joint preparedness for regional threats

Given that both nations are located in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region, EKUVERIN plays a crucial role in:

• Enhancing regional peace and stability
• Improving shared response capabilities
• Aligning security policies for maritime safety

For India, this exercise reinforces its role as a security partner for friendly neighbours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of Exercise EKUVERIN?
Answer: Exercise EKUVERIN symbolizes the collaboration between India and the Maldives, strengthening military ties and enhancing regional security through joint training and operational preparedness.

Q2. How often is EKUVERIN conducted?
Answer: EKUVERIN is conducted annually and alternately between India and the Maldives since its inception in 2009, promoting military cooperation and friendship.

Q3. What are the key objectives of EKUVERIN 2025?
Answer: The key objectives include enhancing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism tactics, conducting joint operations in various terrains, and improving operational planning and training.

Q4. Who participates in Exercise EKUVERIN?
Answer: The exercise involves personnel from the Indian Army, specifically the GARHWAL RIFLES, and an equal number of troops from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Q5. Why is the Indian Ocean Region important for EKUVERIN?
Answer: The Indian Ocean Region is strategically vital for both nations, and EKUVERIN helps enhance regional stability, maritime safety, and collective security efforts.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does EKUVERIN mean in Dhivehi?
A) Friends
B) Allies
C) Partners
D) Neighbors
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: Which battalion represents the Indian Army in EKUVERIN 2025?
A) GARHWAL RIFLES
B) RASHTRIYA RIFLES
C) PARA RANGERS
D) JAK LI
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: When did Exercise EKUVERIN first commence?
A) 2005
B) 2009
C) 2010
D) 2012
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is one of the key training focuses of EKUVERIN?
A) Airborne Operations
B) Counter-Insurgency Operations
C) Naval Warfare
D) Cyber Security
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How many personnel from each country participate in EKUVERIN 2025?
A) 30
B) 45
C) 60
D) 100
Correct Answer: B