Indian Council of World Affairs

 

Introduction

Over the past three decades, military engagement has emerged as an important instrument of foreign policy. This trend was largely driven by growing strategic uncertainty, evolving security threats, and the rise of non-state actors.^[i] As alliances became more fluid and threats more unpredictable, countries increasingly relied on joint military training to strengthen partnerships and enhance preparedness at the bilateral and regional levels.^[ii]

Traditionally, military engagement used to prepare armed forces for war and deter adversaries. However, in the contemporary security environment, it has expanded into broader tools of statecraft. Countries now use this engagement to deepen defence cooperation, influence partners, and signal their intentions to rivals.^[iii] The guiding principle of such engagements is “train together to fight together”, reflecting the need for coordinated responses in common operational environments or against shared threats.^[iv]

Military Engagement: Perspective and Indian Context

One of the primary objectives of international military engagements is to enhance interoperability among participating forces.^[v] This further allows militaries to test operational compatibility, communication systems, and joint command structures in realistic scenarios.^[vi] As military operations increasingly involve coalition-based approaches, interoperability has become essential for effective coordination during crises and conflict situations.

International military engagement also functions as confidence-building measures between participating countries. Regular interaction among armed forces helps in building trust, improving understanding of operational doctrines, and reducing misperceptions.^[vii] Over time, these engagements contribute to stronger defence relationships and help alleviate security concerns between partners.

Additionally, military engagements have important signalling functions. The location, scale, and nature of participation can communicate strategic intent to both partners and adversaries.^[viii] Beyond traditional security roles, military engagements also support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.^[ix] Familiarity between participating forces reduces response time during emergencies and improves coordination in disaster-affected areas.^[x] As a result, military exercises today play a multidimensional role, combining operational preparedness, diplomatic engagement and regional stability.

In this context, the Indian military has increasingly relied on bilateral and multilateral engagements as an important foreign policy instrument. Currently, India conducts approximately 47 joint military exercises with around 26 countries and participates in more than five multinational exercises around the world.^[xi]

Similarly, South Asia remains one of the most significant arenas for India’s military engagement due to its geographical proximity and evolving security dynamics both in land and maritime domains. The region’s strategic importance is further reinforced by the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of India’s oil trade and about 90 per cent of its overall trade volume, underscoring its critical importance for India’s economic stability and energy security.^[xii] At the same time, the IOR is also confronting various non-traditional security threats, such as drug trafficking, illegal fishing and maritime crime.^[xiii] Terrorism also remains a major security concern in South Asia. According to the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, multiple terrorist organisations affiliated with Al-Qaida and ISIL, including ISIL-K and Al-Qaida, remain active in the region, contributing to persistent instability across the region.^[xiv] Furthermore, South Asia hosts nearly 123 active terrorist and insurgent groups and accounts for over 27 per cent of global terrorist incidents, highlighting the scale of the terrorism in the region.^[xv] In addition to traditional and non-traditional security concerns, South Asia is also highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. The region’s dense population, fragile ecosystems and geographical exposure to natural hazards make it particularly susceptible to humanitarian crises.^[xvi] Over the past two decades, more than 750 million people in South Asia have been affected by climate-related disasters, making HADR cooperation essential for regional stability.^[xvii]

India’s military engagement in South Asia is also guided by its Neighbourhood First Policy, which prioritises strengthening security cooperation and capacity building with immediate neighbours.^[xviii] Additionally, India’s Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions (MAHASAGAR) approach emphasises maritime cooperation, regional stability and collective responses to shared challenges in the IOR.^[xix]

Drivers of India’s military engagement in South Asia

Source: Prepared by author

In this context, this paper focuses on India's military engagement with South Asian countries through regular military exercises, particularly with Himalayan nation Nepal; eastern neighbour Bangladesh, situated in the Bay of Bengal; and Sri Lanka, to the south of India, situated at the crucial maritime routes of the IOR.

Nepal

India’s military engagement with Nepal through joint military exercises started when it conducted the first edition of military exercise “Surya Kiran” in Mizoram, India, from 14 March to 27 March 2011.^[xx] The aim of the exercise was to jointly rehearse the conduct of subconventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.^[xxi] The scope of the exercise was to strengthen battalion-level synergy in Jungle Warfare, Counter-Terrorism Operations in Mountainous Terrain, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) and Integrated Ground–Aviation Operations.^[xxii] Besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two armies, it further helps in cementing ties between the armies of both nations. Following the first edition in March 2011, further editions were organised alternately in Nepal and India. To date, India and Nepal have conducted a total of nineteen editions of the exercise, “Surya Kiran”, with each edition lasting 14 days. 

India–Nepal Exercise Surya Kiran

Edition	Period	Location
First	14 March to 27 March 2011	Mizoram, India
Second	9 December to 22 December 2011	Amlekhgunj, Nepal
Third	15 June to 28 June 2012	Himalayan region, India– Nepal Border
Fourth	3 to 6 December 2012	Himalayan region, India– Nepal Border
Fifth	23 September to 6 October 2013	Uttarakhand, India
Sixth	5 March to 18 March 2014	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Seventh	18 August to 31 August 2014	Uttarakhand, India
Eighth	23 February to 8 March 2015	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Ninth	8 February to 21 February 2016	Uttarakhand, India
Tenth	31 October to 13 November 2016	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Eleventh	7 March to 20 March 2017	Uttarakhand, India
Twelfth	3 September to 16 September 2017	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Thirteenth	30 May to 12 June 2018	Uttarakhand, India
Fourteenth	3 December to 16 December 2019	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Fifteenth	20 September to 3 October 2021	Uttarakhand, India
Sixteenth	16 December to 29 December 2022	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Seventeenth	24 November to 7 December 2023	Uttarakhand, India
Eighteenth	31 December to 13 January 2025	Shaljhandi, Nepal
Nineteenth	25 November to 8 December 2025	Uttarakhand, India

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

The latest, the 19th and the most recent edition of exercise “Surya Kiran", was held in Pithorgarh, Uttarakhand, India, from 25 November 2025 to 8 December 2025.^[xxiii] This edition was focused on incorporating niche and emerging technologies, including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based ISR, AI-enabled decision support tools, unmanned logistic vehicles and armoured protection platforms^[xxiv]. This enabled both armies to refine their tactics, techniques and procedures for operating in a counter-terrorism environment.^[xxv] It was also focused on enhancing the level of interoperability amongst the troops to reduce the risk of life and property during UN peacekeeping operations.^[xxvi] The 19th edition registered the representation of 334 Indian Army troops, mainly from the Assam regiment, and 334 Nepalese Army troops, mainly from the Devi Datta regiment.^[xxvii] During the exercise, both sides exchanged views and practised joint drills on a wide spectrum of combat skills that helped participants to mutually learn from each other.^[xxviii] 

Exercise Surya Kiran 19^th Edition

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.^[xxix]

India–Nepal military engagement, particularly through the Exercise Surya Kiran, is driven by shared security concerns and mutual capacity-building needs, with HADR emerging as one of the most significant areas of cooperation. Nepal is highly susceptible to a range of natural hazards, particularly floods, landslides, and earthquakes.^[xxx] It ranks 11th and 16th globally in terms of vulnerability to earthquakes and multihazards, respectively. Nepal is also geographically located above the point where the Indian subcontinent and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, resulting in recurring large-scale earthquakes.^[xxxi] In this context, Exercise Surya Kiran helps Nepal enhance its disaster response capabilities, improve coordination mechanisms, and build interoperability with Indian forces, strengthening Nepal’s preparedness for large-scale emergencies. One of the major instances of India–Nepal joint HADR efforts was evident when Nepal was hit by a severe 7.8-magnitude earthquake near Kathmandu city on 25 April 2015, which killed 9,000 and displaced 2.8 million people.^[xxxii] Drawing on lessons from their joint military exercises, both nations carried out collective HADR under “Operation Maitri”, launched by the Indian side.^[xxxiii]

Beyond disaster management, the open India–Nepal border also witnesses criminal activities such as robbery, illegal trade and human trafficking^[xxxiv]. According to estimates, nearly 7,000 women are trafficked annually across the India–Nepal border^[xxxv], while significant quantities of narcotics are smuggled through the Uttar Pradesh–Nepal and Bihar–Nepal routes.^[xxxvi] To combat these illegal activities, both sides have undertaken continuous coordinated efforts, and in a recent instance, on 7 April 2026, India and Nepal captured three people carrying 3,300 ampoules of drugs.^[xxxvii]

Thus, while Nepal benefits from improved disaster response capabilities, operational training, and border security cooperation, India’s participation in Exercise Surya Kiran aligns with its broader objectives of ensuring regional stability, strengthening neighbourhood partnerships, and enhancing cooperative security in South Asia.

In a broader sense, India-Nepal bilateral military and security cooperation falls under an umbrella institutional mechanism, the India–Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (INBCGSI), established in 2003.^[xxxviii] INBCGSI serves as the primary institutional mechanism for coordinating defence and security cooperation between both countries, and 16 editions have been successfully conducted by the two countries till now.^[xxxix]

Sri Lanka

The India-Sri Lanka military cooperation formally began with the first edition of the joint army exercise “Mitra Shakti” in 2012.^[xl] The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse conduct of subconventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, and the scope includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.^[xli] The exercise is conducted for 12 days and in four phases.^[xlii] The first includes a weapons display and training; the second phase includes night training, which is followed by a third phase, and then a sports competition in the fourth phase concludes the exercise.^[xliii] After its first edition in 2012, India and Sri Lanka have conducted 11 editions of Exercise “Mitra Shakti” to date. 

India-Sri Lanka Exercise Mitra Shakti

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	2012	India
Second	2014	Sri Lanka
Third	29 September to 12 October 2015	Pune, India
Fourth	24 October to 6 November 2016	Ambepussa, Sri Lanka
Fifth	13 October to 26 October 2017	Pune, India
Sixth	26 March to 8 April 2019	Badulla, Sri Lanka
Seventh	1 December to 14 December 2019	Pune, India
Eighth	4 October to 15 October 2021	Ampara, Sri Lanka
Ninth	16 November to 29 November 2023	Pune, India
Tenth	12 to 25 August 2024	Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka
Eleventh	10 November to 23 November 2025	Karnataka, India

 Source: Prepared by author using various sources

The 11^th edition of this exercise was conducted from 10 November to 23 November 2025 in Belagavi, Karnataka, India.^[xliv] From the Indian side, 190 personnel from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force participated in this edition, while from the Sri Lankan side, 155 personnel from their army and air force came for the 11^th edition.^[xlv] This edition was focused on the employment of drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems besides helicopters and drills to secure helipads during counter-terrorism operations.^[xlvi] Apart from drills, both sides also shared views and best practices, which further enhanced defence cooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies.^[xlvii] 

Exercise Mitra Shakti 11^th Edition


Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India^[xlviii]

The significance of this exercise must be understood in the context of shared security challenges, particularly the threat of terrorism linked to transnational extremist networks such as ISIS, which affects both Sri Lanka and India.^[xlix] This threat was starkly highlighted by the Easter Sunday bombings of 21 April 2019 in Sri Lanka, where coordinated attacks led to the death of over 300 people.^[l] The involvement of ISIS-linked elements exposed the presence of radical networks in the region and also raised serious concerns for India’s internal security, particularly in the southern coastal states.^[li] In this regard, exercises like Mitra Shakti play a crucial role in enabling both countries to jointly prepare for counter-terrorism scenarios, share intelligence practices, and strengthen their rapid response capabilities.

The second bilateral exercise under India-Sri Lanka military engagement is a naval exercise named “SLINEX”. This was initiated in 2005 as an effort to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the IOR.^[lii] The exercise is divided into two phases: the Harbour phase focuses on professional exchanges and joint planning and the Sea phase that includes joint operational exercises, gun firing and helicopter operations.^[liii] Since its first edition in 2005, Exercise SLINEX has been carried out 12 times by India and Sri Lanka at different ports in the Indian Ocean. 

India–Sri Lanka Naval Exercise: SLINEX

Edition	Period	Location
First	12 December to 16 December 2005	Bay of Bengal
Second	19 September to 23 September 2011	Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Third	4 November to 7 November 2013	Coast of Goa, India
Fourth	27 October to 1 November 2015	Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Fifth	7 September to 14 September 2017	Vishakhapatnam, India
Sixth	7 September to 13 September 2018	Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Seventh	7 September to 12 September 2019	Vishakhapatnam, India
Eighth	19 October to 21 October 2020	Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Ninth	7 March to 10 March 2022	Vishakhapatnam, India
Tenth	3 April to 8 April 2023	Colombo, Sri Lanka
Eleventh	17 December to 20 December 2024	Vishakhapatnam, India
Twelfth	14 August to 18 August 2025	Colombo, Sri Lanka

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

The most recent and 12^th edition of exercise “SLINEX” took place on the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 14 August to 18 August 2025.^[liv] The Harbour phase of this edition focused on Subject Matter Expert (SME) interaction and the HADR simulator, which was followed by the sea phase. It included surface firing, helicopter operations, cross-deck firing, and tactical manoeuvring.^[lv] The Indian side was represented by INS Jyoti and INS Rana, and similarly, the Sri Lankan side was represented by SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Sayura along with several Sri Lankan Air Force helicopters.^[lvi] 

Exercise SLINEX 12^th Edition

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India^[lvii]

The importance of Exercise “SLINEX” can be best understood against the backdrop of emerging security challenges and humanitarian contingencies in the IOR, which have direct implications for India and Sri Lanka. The IOR witnesses non-traditional security threats, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, drug trafficking, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.^[lviii] In 2025 the Indian subcontinent recorded 13 cases of piracy and armed robbery, 317 cases of contraband smuggling, 14 cases of illegal human migration, and 148 cases of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.^[lix] In addition, the Indian Ocean is also a major conduit for narcotics trafficking. In this context, in a recent event, on 29 November 2024, the forces of the Indian and Sri Lankan navies intercepted and seized 500 kgs of narcotics from a boat in the Andaman Sea.^[lx]

Apart from cooperation in dealing with maritime crimes, “SLINEX” has also strengthened the HADR cooperation between both nations. One of the major instances of this was visible when Sri Lanka got hit by Cyclone “Ditwah” on 28 November 2025, and both nations put combined relief efforts under operation “Sagar Bandhu”, originally launched by India.^[lxi]

The two countries signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence and military cooperation in April 2025, which will last for the next five years.^[lxii] This MoU is now working as an umbrella framework for the countries and enhancing institutionalised military cooperation through high-level military exchanges, joint exercises, capacity building and naval port calls.^[lxiii]

Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh began their military engagement in 2009 with the first edition of Exercise “Sampriti” conducted in Assam, India.^[lxiv] The exercise is centered on conducting subconventional operations as per Chapter VII of the UN mandate which signifies strong bilateral military cooperation between India and Bangladesh.^[lxv] The exercise includes two sub-exercises, the Command Post Exercise (CPX), which focuses on decision making, and the field training exercise that includes grassroots-level operations.^[lxvi] Since its inaugural edition in 2009, the exercise has witnessed 11 successful editions, organised alternatively by both nations. 

India Bangladesh Exercise Sampriti

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	2009	Jorhat, Assam
Second	8 October to 23 October 2011	Sylhet, Bangladesh
Third	2013	India
Fourth	2014	Bangladesh
Fifth	2015	West Bengal, India
Sixth	6 November to 20 November 2016	Bangladesh
Seventh	6 November to 11 November 2017	Meghalaya, India
Eighth	2 March to 15 March 2019	Tangail, Bangladesh
Ninth	3 February to 16 February 2020	Meghalaya, India
Tenth	5 June to 16 June 2022	Jashore, Bangladesh
Eleventh	3 October to 16 October 2023	Meghalaya, India

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

The 11^th edition of Exercise “Sampriti” took place in Meghalaya, India from 3 October 2023.^[lxvii] Approximately 350 army personnel from both sides participated in this edition, who focused on a series of joint drills for counter-terrorist operations, such as hostage rescue, crowd control measures and use of helicopters in counter-terrorist operations.^[lxviii] During this edition, the participants also got a chance to witness the power of equipment built under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of India.^[lxix] 

Exercise Sampriti 11^th Edition

Source: Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army^[lxx]

The significance of Exercise “SAMPRITI” must be understood in the context of shared security challenges along the India–Bangladesh border, particularly by insurgent and terrorist organisations such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and United Liberation Front of Barak Valley (ULFBV).^[lxxi] These groups have historically exploited the porous and densely populated border regions to carry out insurgent activities in India and Bangladesh.^[lxxii] In response to these shared threats, the countries have undertaken coordinated counter-terrorism efforts, which led to the dismantling of camps used by insurgent groups and the arrest of key leaders.^[lxxiii]

In the maritime domain, India and Bangladesh carry out two joint naval exercises, which are Exercise “Bongosagar” and India–Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (IN-BN CORPAT). The India–Bangladesh “CORPAT” was started in 2018,^[lxxiv] followed by the first edition of “Bongosagar” in 2019,^[lxxv] and since then, both exercises  occured simultaneously during the same time period. The aim of these exercises is to develop interoperability and joint operational skills through maritime exercises and strengthened understanding between both navies to stop the conduct of unlawful activities in the Bay of Bengal.^[lxxvi] Till today, both nations have successfully conducted five editions of “Bongosagar” and six editions of “IN-BN CORPAT”. 

India and Bangladesh maritime exercise Bongosagar

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	2019	No record found
Second	3 October 2020	Northern Bay of Bengal
Third	24 May to 27 May 2022	Northern Bay of Bengal
Fourth	7 November to 9 November 2023	International maritime boundary line between India and Bangladesh
Fifth	10 March to 12 March 2025	International maritime boundary line between India and Bangladesh

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

India and Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	June, 2018	Chittagong, Bangladesh
Second	10 October to 12 October 2019	Western maritime boundary between India and Bangladesh
Third	4 October to 5 October 2020	North Bay of Bengal
Fourth	22 May to 23 May 2022	North Bay of Bengal
Fifth	7 November to 9 November 2023	International maritime boundary line between India and Bangladesh
Sixth	10 March to 12 March 2025	International maritime boundary line between India and Bangladesh

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

The most recent edition of “IN-BN CORPAT” and exercise “Bongosagar” took place in the Bay of Bengal from 10 March 2025 to 12 March 2025.^[lxxvii] This edition witnessed the participation of INS Ranvir from the Indian Navy and BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.^[lxxviii] During the exercises, both navies practised a range of complex operations, which included surface firing, tactical manoeuvres, underway replenishment, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and cross-boarding.^[lxxix] The exercises offered the navies a chance to forge stronger connections in tactical planning while enhancing coordination and confidence. This development improved their capacity to conduct coordinated operations and respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats at sea. 

Exercise Bongosagar, 5^th Edition, and IN-BN CORPAT, 6^th Edition

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India^[lxxx]

India’s joint maritime exercises with Bangladesh serve as a tool to enhance cooperation between the nations to fight against maritime challenges in the region of the Bay of Bengal. India’s northwestern IOR, particularly the Bay of Bengal, witnesses issues, such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking and armed robbery.^[lxxxi] The region is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding and erosion and water insecurity, highlighting the need for effective coastal management.^[lxxxii] Hence, exercises such as Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT play a crucial role in strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving interoperability between the two navies, and enabling coordinated responses to both traditional and non-traditional security threats, while also enhancing preparedness for HADR operations in the region. 

India and Bangladesh have several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on defence signed during the state visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 2017.^[lxxxiii] One of the MoUs enhanced the defence cooperation between both the nations by introducing a defence cooperation framework.^[lxxxiv] The other MoUs between defence colleges in Bangladesh and India enhanced the cooperation in the field of national security, development, and strategic studies and worked as a capacity-building tool.^[lxxxv]

Maldives

India’s defence engagement with the Maldives through bilateral military exercises started in 2009 with the first edition of the military exercise “Ekuverin” in Karnataka, India.^[lxxxvi] The aim of this exercise is to enhance interoperability between Indian and the Maldives forces during counter-terrorism operations under the UN mandate.^[lxxxvii] It also focuses on sharing best practices, enhancing coordination and cooperation between forces of both the nations.^[lxxxviii] Since its first edition in 2009, both India and Maldives have conducted fourteen editions of this military exercise. 

India–Maldives Exercise Ekuverin

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	19 October to 1 November 2009	Karnataka, India
Second	2010	No record found
Third	15 December to 18 December 2011	Maldives
Fourth	12 November to 25 November 2012	India
Fifth	2013	Maldives
Sixth	31st August to 13 September 2015	Thiruvananthapuram, India
Seventh	15 December to 28 December 2016	Laamu Atoll, Maldives
Eighth	15 December to 28 December 2017	Karnataka, India
Ninth	2018	Maafilaafushi, Maldives
Tenth	7 October to 20 October 2019	Maharashtra, India
Eleventh	6 December to 19 December 2021	Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives
Twelfth	11 June to 24 June 2023	Uttarakhand, India
Thirteenth	2 February to 15 February 2025	Maldives
Fourteenth	2 December to 15 December 2025	Kerala, India

Source: Prepared by author using various sources  

The 14^th edition of exercise “Ekuverin” took place in Kerala, India, from 2 December to 15 December 2025.^[lxxxix] A total of 90 army personnel from the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force participated in this edition.^[xc] This edition was emphasised interoperability and operational synergy in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain.^[xci] Apart from on-ground exercises, the two forces also practised operational planning to strengthen their capability to respond to common security challenges in the region.^[xcii] 

Exercise Ekuverin, 14^th Edition

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India^[xciii]

The significance of Exercise EKUVERIN must be understood in the context of shared security concerns and strategic interdependence between India and the Maldives. For the Maldives, emerging non-traditional security threats, particularly radicalisation and terrorism, have become a growing concern.^[xciv] The country has been identified as a potential hub for Islamic-State-linked operatives, along with the presence of elements associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who have previously sought to establish a footprint in the region.^[xcv] In this respect, Exercise EKUVERIN provides the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) with an important platform to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities through joint operational training, and capacity building, strengthening its ability to respond to internal and external security threats. In this context, India and the Maldives also set up a joint working group in 2021 on counter-terrorism to counter violent extremism and de-radicalisation.^[xcvi]

India closely links the importance of EKUVERIN to its strategic and diaspora interests in the Maldives. The Maldives hosts a significant Indian presence, with nearly 100,000 Indians living and working in the country, alongside a steady flow of approximately 10,000 Indian tourists annually.^[xcvii] Hence, for India, ensuring the safety and stability of the Maldives is therefore directly connected to the protection of Indian nationals. India has maintained its military engagement with the Maldives in its maritime domain through the naval exercise “Ekatha”, which began in 2017.^[xcviii] This is an annual maritime exercise to enhance the interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).^[xcix] After the inaugural edition in 2017, both nations have conducted eight successful editions of this exercise. 

The India–Maldives Naval Exercise, Ekatha

Edition	Period/Year	Location
First	2017	The Maldives
Second	28 April to 15 May 2018	The Maldives
Third	2019	The Maldives
Fourth	30 June to 10 July 2021	The Maldives
Fifth	5 September to 3 October 2022	The Maldives
Sixth	4 June to 3 July 2023	The Maldives
Seventh	31 October to 20 November 2024	Maafilaafushi, the Maldives
Eighth	18 November to 17 December 2025	Kadhdhoo Island, the Maldives

Source: Prepared by author using various sources

In the latest and eighth edition of exercise “Ekatha”, which was conducted in the Maldives from 15 December to 17 December 2025, the forces of both nations undertook various exercises, which included technical and combat diving, boarding operations and firing drills.^[c] Apart from exercises, a discussion on avenues to further enhance maritime information sharing between the two navies also took place.^[ci] At the end of the exercise, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) of the Indian Navy handed over a consignment of operational spares for the MNDF Coast Guard, which further underscored the strong defence and maritime ties between India and the Maldives^[cii]. 

Exercise Ekatha 8^th Edition

Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India^[ciii]

Exercise EKATHA between India and the Maldives reflects the growing importance of maritime cooperation in addressing non-traditional security threats in the IOR. The Maldives occupies a strategically significant position along major sea lanes and lies close to the Golden Crescent–Arabian Sea drug trafficking route, which is frequently used for the movement of narcotics from East Africa to Europe and South Asia.^[civ] This geographical positioning makes Maldivian waters particularly vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking networks, posing challenges to its internal security and maritime governance. In this context, the exercise contributes to enhancing the Maldives’ maritime surveillance, interdiction capabilities, as well as coordinated response mechanisms. For India, the relevance of this cooperation is closely linked to its own drug trafficking problem. The Golden Crescent route continues to remain the primary source of trafficked heroin entering India, making narcotics smuggling a persistent challenge^[cv]. Hence, through exercise EKATHA, India strengthens operational coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint maritime preparedness with the Maldives, enabling both countries to respond more effectively to evolving drug trafficking networks.

Apart from bilateral exercises, India also offers capacity building assistance to the Maldivian military in which includes developing defence infrastructure and delivering key defence equipment. From 1992 to 2023, India has delivered more than 13 pieces of defence equipment to the Maldives, including armoured combat vehicles, Dhruv helicopters, sea ambulances and fast patrol vessels.^[cvi] India has also assisted the Maldives in building around five defence infrastructure, such as Senahiya MNDF military hospital, composite training facility of the MNDF and the Ministry of Defence Headquarters.^[cvii]

Conclusion

India’s military engagement in South Asia reflects a coherent and evolving strategic approach shaped by its Neighbourhood First policy and complemented by broader maritime visions, such as MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions). Through a network of bilateral and multilateral exercises, including Surya Kiran, Mitra Shakti, SLINEX, SAMPRITI, EKUVERIN, and EKATHA, India has sought to institutionalise defence cooperation, enhance interoperability, and build trust with its neighbours. These engagements are not merely symbolic. They are closely aligned with addressing real and emerging security challenges in the region.

A key dimension of this cooperation lies in tackling maritime crimes, including piracy, narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, and smuggling, particularly in the IOR. Simultaneously, joint exercises have strengthened counter-terrorism capabilities, enabling coordinated responses to transnational threats such as ISIS-linked networks and regional extremist groups. Equally important is the role of these engagements in enhancing HADR preparedness, given South Asia’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.

Taken together, India’s military engagements in South Asia serve as a strategic instrument of regional stability, reinforcing its role as a net security provider while promoting cooperative security, capacity building and shared resilience. In doing so, India safeguards its national interests and contributes to a more secure, stable, and integrated South Asian region.

*****

*Sachin Yadav, Research Intern, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. 

Endotes

^[i]Wolfley, Kyle. “Military Statecraft and the Use of Multinational Exercises in World Politics.” Foreign Policy Analysis 17, no. 2 (January 29, 2021). https://doi.org/10.1093/fpa/oraa022.

^[ii] Ibid.

^[iii] Khera, Kishore. “International Military Exercise: An Indian Perspective.” Journal of Defence Studies 11, no. 3 (2017). https://idsa.in/system/files/jds/jds_11_3_2017_international-military-exercises.pdf.

^[iv] Ibid.

^[v] Ibid.

^[vi] Ibid.

^[vii] Ibid.

^[viii] Ibid.

^[ix] Ibid.

^[x] Ibid.

^[xi] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “Joint Military Exercises,” July 18, 2018. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1539020®=3&lang=2.

^[xii] Yadav, Sachin. “India’s Trilateral Agreements in South Asia: An Assessment.” Indian Council of World Affairs, January 16, 2026. /show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=14134&lid=8576#_ednref15.

^[xiii] Anto, Marshall. “Addressing the Intersection of Drug Trafficking, Piracy, and Illicit Fishing in the Indian Ocean Region.” Electronic Journal of Social and Strategic Studies 6, no. 7 (July 31, 2025): 51–75. https://www.ejsss.net.in/article_html.php?did=15883&issueno=0.

^[xiv] United Nations Security Council. “South Asia | Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC),” n.d. https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ctc/content/south-asia.

^[xv] Meng , Chang , and Noorulhaq Ghafoori. “The Economic Impact of Terrorism in South Asia.” Socio-Economic Planning Sciences 96 (December 2024). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0038012124002842?via%3Dihub.

^[xvi] United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. “The Disaster Riskscape across South and South-West Asia,” 2019. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/IDD-APDR-Subreport-SSWA.pdf#page=2.84.

^[xvii] World Bank Group. “Climate and Development in South Asia,” n.d. https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar/brief/integrating-climate-and-development-in-south-asia/integrating-climate-and-development-in-south-asia-region.

^[xviii] Behuria, Ashok. “India’s Neighbourhood First Policy: Navigating Power, Trust, and Rivalry in South Asia.” Strategic Analysis 49, no. 3 (September 9, 2025): 355–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/09700161.2025.2545143.

^[xix] Deka , Bidisha . “The Indian Ocean as a Community: Rethinking Security through the MAHASAGAR Vision.” Center for Joint Warfare Studies, November 17, 2025. https://cenjows.in/publications/the-indian-ocean-as-a-community-rethinking-security-through-the-mahasagar-vision/.

^[xx] Ministry of Defence, Government of India. “Annual Report 2011-2012,” 2012. https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR1112.pdf.

^[xxi] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India - Nepal Joint Exercise Suryakiran XIX – 2025 Commences Today,” November 25, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2194129®=3&lang=2.

^[xxii] Ibid.

^[xxiii] Ibid.

^[xxiv] Ibid.

^[xxv] Ibid.

^[xxvi] Ibid.

^[xxvii] Ibid.

^[xxviii] Ibid.

^[xxix] Ibid.

^[xxx] United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. “Nepal - Emergency,” n.d. https://www.unicef.org/nepal/emergency.

^[xxxi] Ibid.

^[xxxii] NDTV. “A Look Back at the 2015 Nepal Earthquake When 9,000 People Died,” March 5, 2026. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/2015-nepal-earthquake-when-9-000-people-died-in-one-of-worlds-worst-disasters-11139720.

^[xxxiii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “Army Launches Operation Maitri,” April 26, 2015. https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118739®=3&lang=2.

^[xxxiv] Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crimes. “Global Organized Crime Index - Nepal ,” 2023. https://ocindex.net/assets/downloads/2023/english/ocindex_profile_nepal_2023.pdf.

^[xxxv] Patel , Sneha . “View of Trafficking through Indo-Nepal Border- a Gendered Phenomenon.” Journal of Polity & Society 17, no. 1 (2025): 85–98. https://journalspoliticalscience.com/index.php/i/article/view/479/148.

^[xxxvi] Das, Pushpita. “Drug Trafficking in India: A Case for Border Security.” Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence and Studies and Analysis, May 2012. https://www.idsa.in/system/files/OP_DrugTraffickinginIndia.pdf.

^[xxxvii] The Tribune. “2 Indian Nationals Accused of Drug Trafficking Arrested in Nepal - the Tribune,” April 7, 2026. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/2-indian-nationals-accused-of-drug-trafficking-arrested-in-nepal/.

^[xxxviii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “Sixteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues,” June 24, 2025. https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/39713/Sixteenth_Meeting_of_the_IndiaNepal_Bilateral_Consultative_Group_on_Security_Issues_June_2324_2025.

^[xxxix] Ibid.

^[xl] Sri Lankan Army. “10th Exercise Mitra Shakthi” n.d. https://www.army.lk/exercise-mitra-shakthi.

^[xli] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India - Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025 Commenced Today,” November 10, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2188370®=3&lang=2.

^[xlii] Sri Lankan Army. “10th Exercise Mitra Shakthi” n.d. https://www.army.lk/exercise-mitra-shakthi.

^[xliii] Ibid.

^[xliv] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India - Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025 Commenced Today,” November 10, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2188370®=3&lang=2

^[xlv] Ibid.

^[xlvi] Ibid.

^[xlvii] Ibid.

^[xlviii] Ibid.

^[xlix] Solanki, Viraj. “Sri Lanka and India Address Shared CT Challenge.” International Institute for Strategic Studies, December 20, 2019. https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2019/12/sri-lanka-and-india-address-shared-ct-challenge/.

^[l] The Hindu. “Sri Lanka Easter Bombings,” n.d. https://www.thehindu.com/topic/sri-lanka-easter-bombings/.

^[li] Mihindukulasuriya, Regina. “ISIS Influence Growing in South India, Particularly Kerala: Social Media Monitoring Firms.” The Print, May 20, 2019. https://theprint.in/india/isis-influence-growing-in-south-india-particularly-kerala-social-media-monitoring-firms/234953/.

^[lii] Kingston et al. “View of Indo- Sri Lankan Nexus under SLINEX (India and Sri Lanka Naval Exercise).” International Journal of Environmental Sciences 11, no. 2 (2025). https://theaspd.com/index.php/ijes/article/view/6959/5015.

^[liii] Ibid.

^[liv] High Commission of India, Colombo, Sri Lanka. “Indian Navy-Sri Lanka Navy Maritime Exercise SLINEX-2025,” August 12, 2025. https://www.hcicolombo.gov.in/section/press-releases/indian-navy-sri-lanka-navy-maritime-exercise-slinex-2025/.

^[lv] Ibid.

^[lvi] Ibid.

^[lvii] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2159316®=3&lang=2.

^[lviii] Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region. “IFC-IOR Annual Report 2025,” 2025. https://ifcior.indiannavy.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-02/IFC-IOR-ANNUAL-REPORT-2025.pdf.

^[lix] Ibid.

^[lx] Peri, Dinakar. “Indian and Sri Lankan Navy Seized 500 Kg of Narcotics in Arabian Sea.” The Hindu, November 29, 2024. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/in-a-joint-op-by-indian-and-sri-lankan-navies-500-kg-of-narcotics-seized-in-arabian-sea/article68926123.ece.

^[lxi] Yadav, Sachin . “India’s Trilateral Agreements in South Asia: An Assessment.” Indian Council of World Affairs, January 16, 2026. /show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=14134&lid=8576#_ednref15.

^[lxii] Tamil Guardian. “Explained: The New India–Sri Lanka Defence Agreement,” April 7, 2025. https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/explained-new-india-sri-lanka-defence-agreement.

^[lxiii] Ibid.

^[lxiv] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India and Bangladesh Armies Begin Joint Exercise,” October 3, 2023. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1963629®=3&lang=2.

^[lxv]Ibid.

^[lxvi] Ibid.

^[lxvii] Ibid

^[lxviii] Ibid

^[lxix] Ibid

^[lxx] https://x.com/adgpi/status/1713848117811122544.

^[lxxi] Priyadarshini. “Threats Emanating from India-Bangladesh Border for Indian National Security.” Forum of Integrated National Security, December 16, 2022. https://www.finsindia.org/threats-emanating-from-india-bangladesh-border-for-indian-national-security.html.

^[lxxii] Ibid.

^[lxxiii] Islam, Saiful, and Anika Mahjabin. “Did Bangladesh Play Major Role in Closing ULFA Chapter?” Bonikbarta, March 9, 2024. https://www.bonikbarta.com/home/news_description/376185/Did-Bangladesh-play-major-role-in-closing-ULFA-chapter.

^[lxxiv] Bangladesh Navy. “CORPAT History,” n.d. https://navy.mil.bd/News%20And%20Event/CORPATHistory.html.

^[lxxv] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “Indian Navy (IN) - Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise BONGOSAGAR and IN-BN CORPAT,” October 2, 2020. https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1661064®=3&lang=2.

^[lxxvi] Ibid.

^[lxxvii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “INS Ranvir Participates in Exercise BONGOSAGAR 25 and Indian Navy - Bangladesh Navy CORPAT,” March 13, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111292®=3&lang=2.

^[lxxviii] Ibid.

^[lxxix] Ibid.

^[lxxx] Ibid.

^[lxxxi] Benson, Jay. “Stable Seas: Bay of Bengal.” Stable Seas, January 2020. https://www.stableseas.org/post/stable-seas-bay-of-bengal.

^[lxxxii] Ibid

^[lxxxiii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “List of Agreements/MoUs Exchanged during the State Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India,” April 8, 2017. https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/28360/List+of+AgreementsMoUs+exchanged+during+the+State+Visit+of+Prime+Minister+of+Bangladesh+to+India+April+0710+2017.

^[lxxxiv] Ibid

^[lxxxv] Ibid

^[lxxxvi] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India- Maldives Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN Commences in Kerala,” December 2, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2197611®=3&lang=2.

^[lxxxvii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “Indo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘EKUVERIN’ Commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand,” June 12, 2023. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1931728®=3&lang=2.

^[lxxxviii] Ibid

^[lxxxix] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “India- Maldives Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN Commences in Kerala,” December 2, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2197611®=3&lang=2.

^[xc] Ibid.

^[xci] Ibid.

^[xcii] Ibid.

^[xciii] Ibid.

^[xciv] South Asia Terrorism Portal. “Terrorism Assessment, Maldives,” 2025. https://www.satp.org/terrorism-assessment/maldives.

^[xcv] Ibid.

^[xcvi] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. “Joint Press Release on First Meeting of India-Maldives Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and De-Radicalisation,” April 8, 2021. https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/33782/joint+press+release+on+first+meeting+of+indiamaldives+joint+working+group+on+counter+terrorism+countering+violent+extremism+and+deradicalisation.

^[xcvii] ETV Bharat News. “Maldivian Marks 18 Years in India, Eyes Growth amid Strong Tourism, Diaspora Links,” March 28, 2026. https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/maldives-aims-to-attract-more-indian-tourists-plans-to-expand-flight-services-from-india-enn26032803525.

^[xcviii] Press Information Bureau, Government of India. “DCNS Visit to Maldives Closing Ceremony of Exercise EKATHA - 2025,” December 15, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2204321®=3&lang=1.

^[xcix] Ibid.

^[c] Ibid.

^[ci] Ibid.

^[cii] Ibid.

^[ciii] Ibid.

^[civ] Anto I, Marshall. “Addressing the Intersection of Drug Trafficking, Piracy, and Illicit Fishing in the Indian Ocean Region.” Electronic Journal of Social and Strategic Studies 06, no. 07 (July 2025): 51–75. https://www.ejsss.net.in/uploads/172/15883_pdf.pdf.

^[cv] ETV Bharat News. “NCB, Navy, NTRO Intensify Vigil off Shore the Indian Ocean Region to Detect Trafficking of Contraband Drugs from the ‘Golden Crescent,’” April 14, 2026. https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/ncb-navy-ntro-intensify-vigil-off-shore-the-indian-ocean-region-to-detect-trafficking-of-contraband-drugs-from-the-golden-crescent-enn26041405465.

^[cvi] Gowdara Shivamurthy, Aditya. “India-Maldives Defence Cooperation: Partnership and Partisanship.” Observer Research Foundation, May 18, 2023. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/india-maldives-defence-cooperation.

^[cvii] Ibid.