Maldives and India Conclude Seventh Edition of ‘Exercise Ekatha’
The Maldives and India have successfully concluded the seventh edition of the bilateral military exercise, ‘Exercise Ekatha,’ which saw participation from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Indian Navy.
This year’s iteration of the annual exercise was conducted at the MNDF Northern Area Command in Lh. Maafilaafushi. It commenced on 28 October 2024 and concluded with a closing ceremony held on 23 November 2024 at the Composite Training Centre in Maafilaafushi.
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Closing Ceremony of 7th edition of month long Joint Exercise ‘Ekatha’ was held @MNDF_Official Composite Training Centre, Maafilafushi. @CDFofMNDF Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy and High Commissioner @AmbMunu attended the ceremony. 1/3
🇮🇳 🤝 🇲🇻 @indiannavy @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/tLbp3o5fzg— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) November 23, 2024
The event was graced by Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, who served as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Munu Mahawar, Commander of the MNDF Northern Area Command Brigadier General Ismail Shareef, and officers from the MNDF’s The Basic School (TBS).
‘Exercise Ekatha’ brought together personnel from the Indian Navy’s Marine Commando Unit and MNDF’s Marine Corps and Special Operations Group. This year’s training focused on enhancing skills in technical diving, firing, slithering, and boarding operations.
The exercise, held annually, aims to strengthen interoperability between the armed forces of both nations, address shared security challenges, and foster bilateral cooperation.
The conclusion of this year’s exercise underscores the deepening defence ties between the Maldives and India, reflecting their shared commitment to regional security and collaboration.
