Maldives and India Conclude Seventh Edition of ‘Exercise Ekatha’

Malé, Maldives – The Maldives and India have successfully completed the seventh edition of their bilateral military exercise, ‘Exercise Ekatha,’ which took place at the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Northern Area Command in Lh. Maafilaafushi.

The exercise, which began on October 28, involved personnel from the Indian Navy’s Marine Commando unit, the MNDF’s Marine Corps, and the Special Operations Group. It focused on enhancing skills in technical diving, firing, slithering, and boarding operations.

The closing ceremony was held on Saturday at the Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi, where Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy was the chief guest. 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) also attended the event.

‘Exercise Ekatha’ aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, improve interoperability between the armed forces, and address shared security concerns. The annual exercise is a key element in the growing defense ties between the two nations.