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Context: Indian Navy and Marine Commandos of Maldives will conduct the sixth edition of India-Maldives Exercise Ekantha from 4th June to third July.

More about the Ekantha exercise:

• It is an exercise to ensure interoperability in diving and special operations between navies of two countries.
• It is held annually.
• Its fifth edition was held in Oct 2022.
• Armies of India and Maldives also conducts Exercise EKUVERIN and its 11th edition was held in December 2021. It has been conducted since 2009.

Relevance of Defense exercises:

•  Exercises are used by nations to send subtle messages to other countries of their capabilities.
• When defence exercises are conducted between allies, it acts as a deterrent to adversaries.
• It enables militaries and civilian organisations of the alliance to work together to identify best practices to improve interoperability and bring reforms wherever needed.
• Maritime exercises are ways to improve diplomatic and military ties. Ex Tiger Triumph, ex. Surya Kiran etc.
• They help a nation with a powerful military to bolster its diplomatic posture. The United States (US) is a good example of a nation which uses its military capabilities to bolster diplomatic posture. Ex. Ex Malabar, freedom of Navigation exercise

Conclusion:

Military and Maritime exercises are relevant for military and diplomatic cooperation along with the interoperability of armed forces. They are important for countries like India, which has one of the most powerful militaries in the world.

Read more about the defence exercise between India and various other countries from the following link:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/important-military-exercises-between-india-and-other-countries

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/sixth-edition-of-india-maldives-exercise-ekatha-involving-navies-underway20230606063306/

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