The Maldivian government has formally requested the Indian government to provide details regarding the operation conducted by the Indian military, which transgressed international law.
On January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives' Special Economic Zone (EEZ), located 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll.
The Ministry of Defence, in a statement, expressed that Indian troops had boarded three fishing boats within the Maldives EEZ without prior consultation with relevant authorities, thereby breaching international maritime laws and regulations. Consequently, the Maldivian government has initiated an official request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking comprehensive details of the incident from the Indian government.
In its statement, the Defense Ministry disclosed that Indian troops had intruded upon Maldivian territory and interrogated three boats, namely "Asurumaa-3," "Maa Hoara-3," and "Niru-7." The ministry further specified that these vessels are engaged in fishing activities.
The ministry clarified that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) received information about foreign troops boarding the Asuruma-3. Acting on the President's direct orders to ensure the safety of the fishermen and their vessel, the MNDF Coast Guard vessel Shaheed Ali was dispatched to the area. It was only upon reaching Asuruma-3 that MNDF discovered the interrogation of two additional vessels.
The Defense Ministry highlighted that boarding teams from Indian Coast Guard Ship 246 and Indian Coast Guard Ship 253 were responsible for interrogating the fishing boats.
The MNDF reassured the citizens of the Maldives that they remain committed to tirelessly safeguarding the maritime area and the EEZ. Additionally, they encouraged fishermen to persist in their efforts to derive benefits from the EEZ.