Although 48 hours have passed since the Maldives government submitted a written request seeking justifications regarding Indian coastguard boarding and allegedly intimidating the crew on local vessels, the Indian government is yet to respond.
Although more than 48 hours have passed after the Maldivian government officially requested for clarification about the Indian coastguard entering the Maldives' exclusive economic zone in violation of international maritime laws and boarding three fishing vessels, it has come to light that the Indian government has not provided a statement as of yet.
A senior government official informed Mihaaru News today that the Indian government has not responded to the letter sent by the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking details of the boarding operation conducted by the Indian coastguard without coordination with Maldivian authorities and against the Law of the Sea Convention. The Maldives government has requested India to provide a written justification on the matter.
According to the Maldives Defense Force (MNDF), the Indian Coast Guard entered the Maldives EEZ and boarded three fishing vessels on Wednesday afternoon. Armed Indian troops boarded 'Maahoara 3,' 'Asuruma 3,' and 'Niru 7'.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defense last night, the foreign troops who boarded the local vessels within the Maldivian EEZ were identified as members of the Boarding Teams of Indian Coastguard Ship 246 and Indian Coastguard Ship 253.
The following Thursday night, at around 00:00 am, troops from an Indian ship boarded a Maldivian fishing vessel 'Maahoara 3' from Haa Alifu atoll Ihavandhoo. They inspected the vessel and are alleged to have then attempted to intimidate the crew, according to the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union.
'Maahoara 3' was boarded by Indian troops on Thursday night as well. The Indian coastguard boarded the boat approximately three miles away from Molhadhoo buoy.
There is rising public concern over the increasing incidents of the Indian coastguard entering Maldives territory in violation of laws and without permission from the Maldivian government, boarding, and intimidating Maldivian fishing vessels.
Reports indicate that the foreign troops that boarded the vessel on Wednesday demanded to be provided with the satellite phone numbers in use on the vessel. However, some individuals on the boat reached out to the Maldives coastguard and, following their advice, refused to provide the satellite phone numbers.
Indian troops boarded the three vessels and took out the crew to the deck to question them, they said. The military officials ordered all the crew members to delete any photographic evidence they may have gathered. However, it is learned that the pictures and videos were later recovered by the crew.
The Maldives Defense Ministry has also issued a statement expressing concern over the action.
The Ministry stated that on February 1, 2024, the government officially requested the Government of India to provide details justifying the actions of Indian military personnel in boarding and conducting an operation on Maldivian vessels within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The request emphasized the lack of coordination with Maldivian authorities and highlighted the apparent violation of the Law of the Sea Convention during the incident involving fishing vessels in the Maldivian EEZ.
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