Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos are in the Maldives for the sixth edition of Exercise Ekatha with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) from 4th June to 3rd July.
The annual exercise is conducted between the two forces to enhance interoperability in diving and special operations.
Earlier, the fifth edition was held from 5th September 2022 to 3rd October 2022, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal handed the certificates to the Indian Navy training team.
The location of the Maldives, at the intersection of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean, makes it strategically important for India, particularly in the light of China’s growing aggression in the region.
India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.
