The Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos are currently participating in the sixth edition of Exercise Ekatha with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) from June 4th to July 3rd.
This annual exercise is conducted between the two forces to enhance interoperability in diving and special operations. The previous edition of the exercise was held from September 5th to October 3rd, 2022.
The exercise is attended by notables such as Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Munu Mahawar, and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy, Vice Admiral M. A. Hampiholi.
The exercise witnessed the participation of 30 marines from the MNDF Marine Corps, Special Operations Group and 10 marine commandos from the Indian Navy, who focused on combat shoot, VBSS, demolition, CQB, divator diving, rebreather diving, and diving operations.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem of Maldives and featured the exchange of mementoes and a display of weapons used in the exercise.
Attendees at the closing ceremony included the Commandant of MNDF Marine Corps Brigadier General Wais Waheed, General Officers of MNDF, Commandant of MNDF Coast Guard Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy, Commander of MNDF Central Area Command Colonel Ahmed Fathih, Indian Defence Advisor to the Maldives Captain Mahesh C. Moudgil, some officer of MNDF Central Area Command, and officers of SOG.
This exercise helps strengthen the ties between the two countries and helps keep their forces in a state of readiness and preparedness. The exercise itself is an example of the harmonious relationship that exists between India and Maldives, indicating a show of strength, solidarity, and cooperation – a crucial factor in the volatile geo-strategic environment that surrounds the region.
