The Indian coast guard is alleged to have boarded three Maldivian fishing vessels that were operating within the Maldives’ economic zone. The Maldives government has formally requested that the Indian government furnish “comprehensive details” of this incident.
The development is the most recent in a string of diplomatic disputes between the two countries that have strained bilateral ties since President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, who is widely regarded as a pro-China figure, took office in November last year.
The Maldives’ defence ministry claimed in a statement on Friday that on January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat that was engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (EEZ), which is situated 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll.
According to the report, Indian troops violated international maritime laws and regulations when they boarded three fishing boats inside the Maldives EEZ without first consulting with the appropriate authorities.
“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,” the statement read.
The fishing boats were to be questioned by boarding teams from Indian Coast Guard Ships 246 and 253, according to the statement.
In September last year, Muizzu, 45, emerged victorious over incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was friendly with India.
Following his election to the presidency, Muizzu formally asked India to remove 88 military personnel from his nation by March 15, claiming that the Maldivians had given him a “strong mandate” to do so.
