Maldives seeks India's response on coast guards boarding its three fishing vessels

The Maldivian government has formally asked India to explain an incident in which its coast guards were allegedly seen boarding three Maldivian fishing vessels operating within its exclusive economic zone.

In a statement, the Maldivian defence ministry claimed that the Indian coast guards intercepted the fishing boats without prior consultation with relevant authorities and breached international maritime laws and regulations.

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

"Consequently, the Maldivian government initiated an official request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking comprehensive details of the incident from the Indian government," it added.

Several clips shared on X purportedly show troops donning black uniforms boarding a vessel. However, it could not be ascertained whether they were Indian personnel or not. New Delhi has so far not responded.

The statement said that boarding teams from Indian Coast Guard Ship 246 and Indian Coast Guard Ship 253 were responsible for interrogating the fishing boats.

This development marks another flashpoint between India and Maldives, whose ties have taken a back seat following the ascension of President Mohamed Muizzu, widely perceived as a pro-China leader, in November last year.