The Maldives Defence Ministry has officially stated that the reported incident involving Indian troops boarding a Maldivian fishing boat within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violates international law.

In a released statement, the ministry highlighted the incident involving the fishing boat "Asurumaa-3" from ADh. Mahibadhoo, which was fishing 72 nautical miles northeast of HA. Dhidhoo when the alleged intrusion occurred.

According to the Defense Ministry, the coast guard vessel "Shaheed Ali," engaged in another operation in the north, promptly responded and ensured protection for the fishing boat and its crew following orders from the President.

Further investigations by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that the incident extended to two additional fishing boats, namely Mohora-3 and Niru-7.

MNDF confirmed that the crews responsible for the alleged intrusion belonged to Indian Coast Guard ships 246 and 253.

In response to the incident, the Defence Ministry emphasized, "Foreign ministry has formally requested that the Indian government provide an explanation for the recent incident involving Indian troops boarding a Maldivian fishing boat within the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without coordinating with Maldivian relevant authorities."

The statement concluded by expressing gratitude to Maldivian fishermen for their hard work within the country's waters.

Additionally, the Defence Ministry assured that, with the blessings of Allah SWT, Maldives Defence would continue its efforts to protect the nation's territorial waters.