Maldives Requests Clarification from India Over Soldiers Boarding Fishing Vessels in EEZ

The Ministry of Defence has formally communicated through the Foreign Ministry to the Government of India, seeking clarification regarding the recent incident involving Indian soldiers boarding Maldivian fishing vessels within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to the Defence Ministry’s statement, Indian soldiers boarded Maldivian fishing boats without prior notification or adherence to established legal protocols, thus breaching international maritime laws. The Ministry highlighted that this action occurred without informing relevant Maldivian authorities.

The Defence Ministry underscored the infringement upon Maldivian sovereignty, emphasising the imperative of adhering to established maritime laws and regulations. In response, the Maldivian government has formally requested the Indian authorities to furnish details regarding the operation.

The statement outlined the specific incident involving the fishing vessel Asuruma-3 from ADh. Mahibadhoo, which was fishing approximately 72 nautical miles northeast of HA. Dhidhdhoo, within the Maldives’ EEZ.

Upon receiving reports of foreign soldiers boarding the fishing vessel, the Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Coastguard vessel ‘Shaheed Ali’ promptly responded by deploying to the area, confirming the vessel’s location and ensuring the safety and security of the fishermen onboard.

The Ministry disclosed that upon arrival at the scene, it became apparent that Indian soldiers had boarded two additional fishing vessels, in addition to Asuruma-3. The boarding team, identified as from Indian Coast Guard ships 246 and 253, conducted the operation.

Reports from the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), which initially alerted the public via social media, cited the captain of Asuruma-3 stating that initially, four soldiers boarded the vessel, later joined by two more. The soldiers reportedly sought information regarding the satellite phone aboard the vessel, with the captain complying under the guidance of the Coast Guard during communication.

The Defence Ministry’s statement did not speculate on the motivations behind the Indian soldiers’ actions but stressed the importance of resolving the matter through diplomatic channels while upholding maritime laws and respecting sovereign boundaries.