The United States Marine Corps and Maldivian National Defense Force will participate in the exercises titled 'Coconut Grove 2012' until October 04 which are held every two years.

"The exercise will focus on general military skills and enhancing interoperability between the two forces, and will help advance common regional security interests between the U.S. and Maldives," an embassy statement said.

"The 10-day exercise will include several days of medical training and combat lifesaving techniques, as well as convoy operations and general military skills training."

The participating U.S. units are mainly from I Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Camp Pendleton, California, with support from the Maritime Sealift Command.