India Maldives Relations: The government of Maldives has formally requested the Indian government to provide ‘comprehensive details’ of the incident in which Indian Coast Guard personnel allegedly boarded three fishing vessels operating within the island nation’s economic zone.
This development is the latest in the diplomatic row between the two countries that had strained bilateral relations after President Mohammed Muizzu came to power in Maldives in November last year. Muizzu is widely seen as a pro-China leader. There has been no immediate response from the Indian government on Maldives’ allegations.
The Defense Ministry of Maldives claimed in a statement on Friday (February 2) that on January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives. Dhidho is located 72 nautical miles northeast of Haa Alifu Atoll.
India accused of violating international maritime law
The statement said Indian soldiers boarded three fishing boats within the EEZ of Maldives without prior consultation with the concerned authorities, thereby violating international maritime laws and regulations.
“As a result, the Government of Maldives has taken an official initiative through the Ministry of External Affairs seeking a detailed report of the incident from the Government of India,” it said.
The boarding teams of Indian Coast Guard Ship 246 and Indian Coast Guard Ship 253 were responsible for interrogating people aboard the fishing boats, the statement said.
Two meetings of India-Maldives Core Group have been held
On the other hand, two meetings of the India-Maldives Core Group formed between the two countries regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives have been held. The second meeting of the core group was held on Friday (2 February) in New Delhi. During this, after a long discussion, it was agreed in the meeting that India will deploy civilian groups in place of the soldiers deployed in Maldives.
Also read: Maldives’ Foreign Ministry said – ‘Indian soldiers will return by May’, know what is India’s plan
