India conducts a joint military exercise named ‘‘EKUVERIN’’ with which neighbouring country, as seen for example in the seventh edition of the bilateral exercise held in 2016 at Kadhdhoo?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of defence and international relations. India regularly conducts joint military exercises with friendly countries to improve cooperation, interoperability and regional security. One such exercise is code named EKUVERIN. Knowing which country participates with India in this bilateral exercise is an important detail for defence related general knowledge, especially since it has been held multiple times, including the seventh edition in 2016 at Kadhdhoo.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The exercise name is EKUVERIN.
• It is a bilateral (two country) joint military exercise.
• The question mentions the seventh edition in 2016 at Kadhdhoo.
• The options are Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives and Bhutan.
• We assume familiarity with India's defence partnerships in the Indian Ocean region.

Concept / Approach:
EKUVERIN is the name used for a series of joint military exercises between India and the Republic of Maldives. The word "Ekuverin" itself means "friends" in the Maldivian Dhivehi language, reflecting the friendly nature of the partnership. Kadhdhoo is an island in the Maldives, further indicating the country involved. India also conducts other exercises with Nepal and Bhutan, but under different names, and not with Pakistan in this cooperative sense. Therefore, identifying the partner country requires recognising the link between the exercise name, venue and India's strategic relations in the Indian Ocean.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that EKUVERIN is specifically mentioned as a bilateral exercise with India. Step 2: Recall that EKUVERIN is associated with India–Maldives joint exercises to enhance defence cooperation. Step 3: Recognise that Kadhdhoo is an island location in the Maldives, which hosted the 2016 edition. Step 4: Compare with other options: India conducts different named exercises with Nepal and Bhutan and has no such friendly bilateral military exercise with Pakistan under this title. Step 5: Conclude that the country partnering India in EKUVERIN is the Maldives.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official defence ministry releases and news reports on joint exercises consistently describe EKUVERIN as an annual or regular joint exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force. They often highlight the goal of strengthening defence cooperation and mutual understanding. The choice of Maldivian locations such as Kadhdhoo for some editions further confirms that the partner is the Maldives, not Nepal, Pakistan or Bhutan.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nepal: India and Nepal conduct joint exercises, such as Surya Kiran, but not under the name EKUVERIN.
Pakistan: India does not conduct a friendly bilateral army exercise named EKUVERIN with Pakistan; relations are of a different nature.
Bhutan: India and Bhutan cooperate closely in defence, but their joint exercises are not called EKUVERIN.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse the names of various exercises, such as Surya Kiran (India–Nepal), Maitree (India–Thailand), Yudh Abhyas (India–USA) and EKUVERIN (India–Maldives). Another source of confusion is not recognising Kadhdhoo as a Maldivian location. To avoid mistakes, it is helpful to group exercises in memory by region: EKUVERIN can be remembered as a friendly Indian Ocean island exercise with the Maldives, whose name itself means "friends".

Final Answer:
The bilateral exercise EKUVERIN is conducted between India and the Maldives.