Indian Army contingent departed for Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives to participate in the 11th edition of the 14-day Indo-Maldives joint military exercise 'Ekuverin' with the Maldivian National Defence Force scheduled from December 6 to 19.

Ekuverin means friendship in the Dhivehi language. The joint military exercise is alternately in India and Maldives. In India, it was conducted in Pune for the first time followed by Belgaum and Thiruvananthapuram.

The exercise will enhance synergy & inter-operability between Armed Forces of both the nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land & at sea, conducting Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.

The military exercise will entail counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, and sharing best military practices and experiences between the defence forces of India and Maldives.

According to a statement by Indian ministry of Defense, besides rigorous training, the joint military exercise will also include cultural and sports activities to enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations.

“The exercise will go a long way in strengthening India's relations with the Maldives amidst emerging security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region,” said India's Ministry of Defense.

Last year, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat visited the Maldives and the two nations promised to strengthen defence ties and boost joint military exercises with the archipelago nation.

Last year, a ceremony was held at the foreign training node at Aundh military station where the armed forces of both countries conducted counter-terrorism drills as per the United Nations mandate.

Image courtesy: PIB