Former President and current President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that no country should enter the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives without obtaining prior permission.
President Solih made the statement in response to the Indian Navy's seizure of the Maldivian fishing boat within the Maldives EEZ, situated 72 miles east of Didhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll. The Ministry of Defence criticised the Indian troops for boarding the fishing boat without consulting relevant authorities, labeling it a violation of international maritime laws.
Speaking to reporters after the MDP primary election, Solih denounced such actions as highly inappropriate, emphasising that no foreign country should enter the territorial waters of another sovereign nation without permission, as it goes against international law. The Maldivian government has requested the Indian government to provide detailed information about the operation, noting its breach of international law.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) assured the Maldivian citizens that they would continue their vigilant efforts to protect the maritime area and the EEZ. The MNDF encouraged fishermen to persist in their endeavors to benefit from the EEZ while maintaining adherence to international regulations.