Maratha regiment continues to lure foreign armies for training

The joint military training exercises between the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) have begun at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre. The Training that began on November 12 is aimed at enhancing military ties between the two nations. The training is named as ‘EKUVERIN-2012′.

Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Training Centre, which is well known for its training centres across the world, is attractive for its infrastructural facilities. Most of the foreign armies prefer this training centre because of its facilities and uniqueness. A total of 45 army personnel from India and equal number from Maldives are taking part in the joint training exercise. The bilateral annual exercises commenced in 2009 and are held alternately in India and Maldives. The aim of the exercise is to enhance the close military co-operation between both the countries.

During the joint training, the army personnel will undergo round the clock training. Apart from drills, they will undergo counter insurgency operation training. According to officials, the jungle camp at the training centre gives the actual feeling for the army personnel. The training will conclude on November 25.

“The centre is attractive because of its facilities here. We have jungle lane shooting which gives the actual feeling for the army personnel. The infrastructure is also good in MLIRC that is why many foreign acountries prefer this training centre” added MLIRC Commandant Santosh Kurup.

The regimental centre here is carrying out its task of providing training to recruits in the use of small arms – rifle, carbine, LMG- which are basic arms of the infantry. It has requisite administrative and training facilities including modified firing range, battle area, grenade firing area, demo area, jungle lane shooting and exercise area. Every year nearly 1,000 soldiers are trained from this centre.