Context:

• The two-week-long joint military exercise Ekuverin between Indian and Maldivian defence forces, ended in Belagavi.
• A colourful event at the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Centre included cultural programmes, and display of combat skills by the two forces.

More on the Exercises:

• The exercise had honed individual and collective professional skills of all participants by imbibing best practices of both the armies. “`It has also served to reinforce the close ties of friendship between the two countries.
• The contingents exchanged mementoes and resolved to continue this joint exercise in the future. The annual military exercise has been going on since 2009, alternatively in India and Maldives.
• Cultural programmes included Kalaripayattu by the Madras Regimental Centre, Mallakhamba by the MLIRC and Khukri Combat Display by the Gorkhas. The Assam Regimental Centre showcased the war tactics of the North-East region.
• An aerobic display by MLIRC and a Boduberu display by the Maldivian National Defence Forces stole the show. The grand ceremony culminated with a Pipe and Drum band night display by personnel of the Sirmoor Rifles.

Source:TH