The Maldives government is seeking answers from India regarding why its coast guard boarded three Maldivian fishing boats. The Maldives defense ministry stated on Friday night that they were notified on Wednesday of personnel from a foreign military boarding a Maldivian fishing vessel. Upon investigation, it was discovered that these individuals were from the Indian coast guard.
The Maldives military also found that Indian coast guard personnel had boarded two additional boats, although the statement did not specify their actions on these vessels.
"On Feb. 1, 2024, the Maldives foreign ministry officially requested details from India regarding the operation conducted while Maldivian fishermen were in the Maldivian exclusive economic zone. This operation occurred without coordination with relevant authorities and violates international laws," the statement, originally in Dhivehi language, read.
This incident marks the latest in a series of conflicts affecting relations between the two nations since the election of a pro-China leader in the Maldives last November.
India and China have been competing for influence in the Maldives due to its strategic location along a crucial sea route in the Indian Ocean.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, formerly part of an "India Out" campaign, campaigned for the presidency promising the removal of Indian military personnel from some islands. Following his election, he officially requested India's cooperation in this matter.
Contradictory statements emerged on Friday regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops. While the Maldives foreign ministry announced an agreement for India to begin withdrawing troops on March 10, completing the process by May 10, India's foreign ministry statement did not mention a withdrawal but instead emphasized agreements to continue Indian aviation services for humanitarian purposes in the Maldives.
It is estimated that there are at least 75 Indian military personnel in the Maldives, involved in activities such as transporting patients from remote islands and conducting sea rescues.
Tensions escalated further last month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted pictures of himself on social media, engaging in leisure activities in Lakshadweep, an Indian archipelago resembling the Maldives. Some in the Maldives perceived this as an attempt to divert tourists from the Maldives' renowned beaches and luxury resorts.
This led to derogatory remarks against Modi by three Maldivian deputy ministers, sparking outrage among Indians and a social media campaign to boycott the Maldives. India constitutes the largest portion of tourists to the Maldives, accounting for 11% of total visitors last year.
After the controversial posts were removed and the deputy ministers suspended, the Maldives government clarified that those views did not represent official policy.
Muizzu's visit to China coincided with the dispute, during which he announced plans to reduce dependence on India for health, education, and staple imports. He also warned against bullying smaller nations, seemingly referencing India indirectly.
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Big news for India, this country became an obstacle in the way of Maldives and China