A majestic closing ceremony to mark the culmination of 14 days joint training between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces was held at Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre at Belgaum, Karnataka on 28 Dec 17. The marching contingent of both the countries participated in the closing ceremony. Fly past done by the Army Aviation team carrying flags of both the countries was also an highlight of the closing ceremony. In addition to the formal march past, there were a number of cultural programs like Kalaripayattu by the Madras Regimental Centre, Malkhamb by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Khukri Combat Display by the Gorkhas and the Assam Regimental Centre showcasing their North East Warrior skills. The audience was also left mesmerised by the aerobic display by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre and Boduberu display by the Maldivian National Defence Forces. The grand ceremony culminated with a Pipe & Drum band night display by the SIRMOOR RIFLES.
Brigadier Alok Khurana, the senior most military observer of the Indian Army said that the exercise has honed individual and collective professional skills of all participants by imbibing best practices of both the Armies and has served to reinforce the close ties of friendship between the two countries. He appreciated the team spirit, camaraderie and high motivation shown by the participants throughout these two weeks.
Brigadier General Ali Zuhair, senior observer of the Maldivian National Defence Force addressed all participants and complimented them on the successful completion of the Exercise. He also praised them for the high standards of professionalism displayed during conduct of the exercise and thanked the Indian Army in organising the training in a highly professional manner.
The exercise has further enhanced the military relation and cooperation between the two forces. Both the contingents exchanged mementoes and resolved to continue this joint exercise in the future.
