Exercise Ekatha: Strengthening Maritime Interoperability
Established in 2017, Exercise Ekatha is a flagship annual maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Over the years, the exercise has evolved into a critical platform for enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and mutual trust between the two maritime forces.
The 2025 edition featured a wide spectrum of advanced operational drills, including technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing practices, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics and specialised heli-borne missions. These activities were aimed at enhancing real-time response capabilities to emerging maritime threats.
High-Level Defence Engagements in Male
Upon arrival in Male, Vice Admiral Sobti held detailed discussions with Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of the MNDF. The talks focused on addressing shared maritime security challenges, expanding training engagements and strengthening cooperation to counter drug trafficking and other transnational maritime crimes.
Both sides also reviewed the progress of ongoing defence cooperation projects and explored avenues to enhance maritime domain awareness through improved information-sharing mechanisms between the two navies.
Operational Support and Capacity Building
In a significant gesture reflecting India’s commitment to capacity building, the DCNS handed over a consignment of operational spares for MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee to the Maldivian defence leadership. The handover ceremony was held onboard INS Sharda in Male harbour.
The supply of spares is expected to enhance the operational readiness of the MNDF Coast Guard, reinforcing Maldives’ ability to safeguard its vast maritime domain.
India-Maldives Maritime Partnership
Vice Admiral Sobti’s maiden official visit to Maldives as DCNS carries strategic significance amid evolving security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Maldives through training, asset support and joint exercises.
Exercise Ekatha remains a cornerstone of this partnership, fostering seamless coordination during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations and maritime security missions.
Aligning with MAHASAGAR Vision
The visit aligns closely with India’s MAHASAGAR framework, which emphasises inclusive growth, shared security and sustainable maritime cooperation across the region. India’s defence engagement with Maldives reflects a broader commitment to ensuring a free, open and secure Indian Ocean.
As regional challenges become increasingly complex, sustained bilateral exercises like Ekatha are seen as vital instruments for building trust and preparedness among maritime partners.
Looking Ahead
With Exercise Ekatha 2025 concluding on a successful note, India and Maldives have once again demonstrated their shared resolve to maintain peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Defence cooperation between the two nations is expected to deepen further through enhanced training, technological collaboration and maritime capacity building.
The Indian Navy’s continued engagement with Maldives reaffirms New Delhi’s role as a reliable and responsible maritime partner in the neighbourhood.
