The Ministry of Defence has issued a strong assurance that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will continue to monitor and protect the country’s designated maritime boundaries with unwavering commitment, directly responding to President and Commander-in-Chief Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s recent declaration. 

In his Presidential Address, the President firmly stated that the Maldivian state does not recognize any changes to its sovereign territory as defined by the Constitution and existing national laws.

The Ministry’s detailed statement referenced Article 115 of the Constitution, which explicitly mandates the President with upholding the independence and territorial integrity of the Maldives. 

Accordingly, MNDF will enforce protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) precisely as specified in Law No. 6/96 (Maldives Maritime Zones Act). 

This encompasses maritime areas extending 200 nautical miles from the archipelagic baselines detailed in the Act’s Schedule 1.

The statement clarified the legal scope of Maldivian territory under Article 3 of the Constitution, which includes land areas, airspace, sea, and seabed within baselines, plus the territorial sea and its overlying airspace. 

It noted the sole exception: the 1976 tri-junction agreement in the Gulf of Mannar with northern neighbors, where a full 200-nautical-mile extension was unavailable, and no other agreements have resulted in ceding maritime territory, the Ministry emphasized.

Further underscoring its mandate, the statement cited Article 243 of the Constitution, which defines the military’s primary role as defending the territory, Exclusive Economic Zone, and people of the Maldives. 

The Armed Forces Act reinforces this by requiring MNDF to safeguard national independence, sovereignty, and interests, including vigilant monitoring of territorial integrity and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

President Dr. Muizzu’s declaration positions defense of these boundaries as a supreme national interest. 

Over the past two years, government initiatives have significantly enhanced capabilities, including commissioning modern maritime and aerial surveillance vessels and establishing additional monitoring resources to assert sovereign control over the nation’s territory and Exclusive Economic Zone.

The MNDF has reassured citizens it will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and secure environment within Maldivian territory and maritime zones, enabling economic and social benefits through legal frameworks. 

The Ministry highlighted the government’s high priority on strengthening defense and security cooperation with friendly nations to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.