Why in the news?

• The 14th edition of Exercise EKUVERIN commenced.

Exercise EKUVERIN – 2025

• What is it?: It is the biennial joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• Host: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
• Participants: It involves platoons of about 45 personnel from each side.
• Objectives
  • The exercise enhances interoperability for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations across semi-urban, jungle, and coastal terrains. 
  • It promotes sharing of best practices and integration of niche defence technologies to boost regional peace and security. 
  • Additional goals include effective coordination for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
• Significance: Strengthens defence ties under India’s Neighbourhood First policy in Indian Ocean Region.

Source: News on Air