In an important measure to step up defense cooperation between India and Maldives, the armies of the two nations are participating in a joint exercise called EKUVERIN 09. The Defense Minister Mr. Ameen Faisal arrived in the city today to witness the conclusion of the exercise tomorrow. He was received by the Commandant of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Centre, Brigadier Sanjay Holey and the district Commissioner of Belgaum Shri.J Ravi Shankar. 
This is the first time that an entire Maldives squad has come out of their country for a joint exercise. This platoon level exercise aims to share expertise in counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism operations. From the Indian Army, the 16 Madras Batallion(One Officer, one JCO and 33 Other Ranks) and the 2 Para (One Officer and 6 Other Ranks) are participating while five officers and 38 Other Ranks are participating from the Maldives National Defence Force.
The concluding day of ‘Ekuverin 09’ , or the ‘Exercise Lightening Strike’ will be held on Friday 30th October at the Rohideshwar Camp. To witness the ceremony will be present the GOC-in-C Southern Command Lt. Gen Pradeep Khanna, and other senior officers.