Sunday
28th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Sovereignty
Maldivian Government Asks for Written Explanation from Indian Military Over Entering Maldivian Borders
A Maldivian fishing boat which was boarded by Indian Military.
The Maldivian government has asked the Indian government to explain in writing why two Indian military vessels entered the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without permission, and boarded a Maldivian fishing boat.
A senior government official told Dhiyares that two Indian military vehicles entered the Maldivian EEZ without Maldives’ permission and the government has asked India to explain the details of the incident.
A total of three Maldivian fishing boats are reported to have been boarded by the Indian Coast Guard within Maldives’ EEZ. On January 31st, Indian troops boarded three fishing vessels in the northern EEZ and questioned their crews.
A government official told Dhiyares that the two Indian vessels belonged to the country's coast guard. They have now been identified as ICGS 246 and ICGS 253, he said. These are two fast vessels used by the Indian Coast Guard.
The Bodu Kanneli Fishermen's Union posted a video yesterday on social media showing Indian troops boarding a Maldivian fishing boat. The video shows Indian soldiers boarding the boat with weapons.
The Indian government has not yet commented on the attack on three Indian fishing boats in the northern EEZ.