¨     The 14th edition of the India-Maldives bilateral exercise is being conducted from 2 December to the 15th of this month in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

¨     The exercise will be held between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces.

¨     EKUVERIN aims to strengthen interoperability in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

¨     The training focuses on semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrains.

¨     Integration of niche military technologies has been highlighted as a key component of the exercise.

¨     Both nations intend to share operational best practices to promote regional security.

¨     The term “Ekuverin” means “Friends”, reflecting the friendly ties between India and the Maldives.

¨     The exercise is conducted annually and alternates between India and the Maldives.

¨     EKUVERIN is one of the three major joint activities between the two countries.

¨     The two bilateral exercises are “Ekuverin” and “Ekatha”, while “Dosti” is a trilateral exercise involving Sri Lanka.