Maldives seeks information from India over its coast guard’s alleged activities within Maldivian territory

The development is the latest in the diplomatic row between the two nations that led to the strain in bilateral ties after President Mohamed Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, came to power in November last year in the Maldives.

There was no immediate response from the Indian government to the Maldivian allegations.

On January 31, the Indian Army intercepted a Maldivian fishing boat engaged in fishing activities within the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (EEZ), located 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, the Maldives’ defence ministry claimed in a statement on Friday.

It said that the Indian troops boarded three fishing boats within the Maldives EEZ without prior consultation with relevant authorities, thereby breaching international maritime laws and regulations.