Indian Soldiers Halted Maldivian Fishing Vessels in Territorial Waters, Defence Minister Confirms

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has verified reports that two Maldivian fishing vessels were intercepted and inspected by Indian soldiers while operating within the country’s territorial waters, in today’s Parliament session.

The vessel, identified as Maahoara-3, was one of three fishing boats halted and searched by armed officers from the Indian Coast Guard on 31st January 2024. The other two vessels were named as Neru-7 and Asurumaa-3, the latter being a yellowfin tuna fishing boat from ADh. Mahibadhoo.

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Accounts from sailors aboard the boats suggest that the Indian soldiers requested access to the vessels’ satellite phone numbers during the searches, causing concern among the crew members. Allegations also emerged that the sailors were subjected to threats during the encounters.

Video footage of the encounters has been shared by the union, offering insight into the nature of the interactions between the Maldivian fishing boats and the Indian soldiers.

Following the incidents, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed that all three fishing boats were within the maritime boundaries of the Maldives at the time of the boarding. The military authorities further clarified that the operations were carried out without prior coordination with Maldivian authorities, contravening established international maritime laws and regulations.