Why in the news?
- The 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha (2025) concluded in the Maldives.
Exercise Ekatha 2025
- What is it?: Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) which was established in 2017.
- Objective: The exercise enhances interoperability and operational synergy in maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR), and maritime domain awareness.
- Significance: Strengthens India-Maldives defence ties, supports India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR vision for regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Source: PIB