Exercise EKUVERIN

The 14th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

About Exercise EKUVERIN

The word “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language. The exercise was first conducted in 2009 and is one of the major joint military exercises between India and the Maldives. It is an annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and the Maldives.

The primary aim of Exercise EKUVERIN is to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries while conducting counterinsurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations in semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrains. The exercise also emphasizes the integration of niche technology, allowing both countries to share best practices and strengthen their commitment to regional peace and security.

Other Military Exercises Between India and Maldives

In addition to Ekuverin, India and the Maldives conduct other joint exercises, including:

• Ekatha: A bilateral military exercise.

• Dosti: A trilateral exercise that includes Sri Lanka, focusing on regional cooperation and joint training.

India-Maldives Relationship

India was among the first countries to recognize the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish formal diplomatic relations. The two countries share deep historical, cultural, linguistic, religious, and commercial ties, reflecting a long-standing and friendly relationship.

India-Maldives Defence Cooperation and Bilateral Relations

India has historically been a key defence partner of the Maldives and often acted as the first responder during crises. This was evident during:

• Operation Cactus (1988): India intervened to prevent a coup attempt in the Maldives.

• 2004 Tsunami: India provided immediate assistance in relief and rescue operations.

India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision underline its proactive approach to regional security and stability.

Defence Projects and Infrastructure Support

India has supported the Maldives in building defence infrastructure, including:

• Composite Training Centre (CTC): Established for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

• Coast Guard “Ektha” Harbour and Repair Facility: Built at Sifavaru in Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) atoll.

• Refit of Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee (October 2023): Provided free of cost, reflecting mutual trust.

• Coastal Radar System: India installed 10 radar stations in the Maldives, funded with a USD 15.8 million Indian grant.

Training and Capacity Building

• India provides around 70% of the MNDF’s training needs.

• Over 1,500 MNDF personnel have been trained at various Indian defence academies.

• Bilateral Exercises:

  • Ekuverin and Ekatha (India-Maldives bilateral exercises)

  • Dosti (trilateral exercise including India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka)

• These exercises enhance operational synergy and interoperability between the forces.

Institutional Mechanisms

• Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD): Initiated in 2016 at the Defence Secretary level to review and strengthen bilateral defence ties.

• The 5th DCD between India and the Maldives was held in New Delhi in September 2024.

India-Maldives Political Relations

• India was one of the first countries to recognize Maldives’ independence in 1965 and established its diplomatic mission in Malé in 1972.

• Both countries are founding members of SAARC and signatories to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).

Trade and Economic Relations

• India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981, boosting bilateral trade.

• In 2024, India extended USD 400 million support and a bilateral currency swap of Rs 3,000 crore to the Maldives.

• The State Bank of India also rolled over USD 100 million of Treasury Bills for the Maldives.

• India became the Maldives’ 2nd largest trade partner in 2022 and largest in 2023.

• Indian exports to Maldives: Engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, cement, agricultural products.

• Indian imports from Maldives: Mainly scrap metals.

• Visa-free entry for Indian business travelers (2022) further strengthened commercial ties.

• A framework to promote local currency usage for cross-border trade was finalized in 2024.

Tourism Relations

• Tourism contributes about 25% of the Maldivian GDP and nearly 70% of total employment (direct and indirect).

• India is the largest source of tourists to the Maldives, leading tourism contributions for 2020, 2021, and 2022.

• In March 2022, India and Maldives agreed to an open skies arrangement to improve connectivity and promote tourism.