DCNS Visits Maldives for Closing Ceremony of Exercise Ekatha-2025

Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff VAdm. Tarun Sobti visited Maldives from 15-17 December 2025 to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha-2025.

Established in 2017, Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The 8th edition of the exercise witnessed extensive professional interactions aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational synergy. The activities included technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics, and special heli-borne operation drills.

VAdm. Sobti met the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. The discussions focused on addressing regional maritime security challenges, enhancing training engagements, strengthening cooperation against drug trafficking, and reviewing the progress of ongoing defence projects. Avenues to further enhance maritime information sharing between the two navies were also deliberated. DCNS also handed over a consignment of operational spares for MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee to Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Hilmy CDF, MNDF in a function held onboard INS Sharda at Male, Maldives on 15 December 2025.

The maiden visit of the DCNS to Maldives reaffirms the Indian Navy’s steadfast commitment to regional partners and underscores the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and Maldives, in line with India’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region (MAHASAGAR), and the Neighbourhood First policy.