MALE, Maldives (AP) — The Maldives government says it has asked for clarification of why Indian coast guard personnel boarded three Maldivian fishing vessels operating within its economic zone earlier this week without consultation.
The Maldives military also found that Indian coast guard personnel had boarded two more boats, the statement said without explaining what they did on the boats .
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was part of an “India Out” campaign as an opposition politician, demanding the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in some islands.
The largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives come from India, making up 11% of the total last year.
It is said there are at least 75 Indian military personnel in the Maldives and their known activities include transporting patients from remote islands and rescuing people at sea.
Persons:
Mohamed Muizzu, Muizzu, Narendra Modi, Modi
Organizations:
—, Indian, Maldives ., Maldives
Locations:
Maldives, India, Maldivian, Dhivehi, China, Lakshadweep, New Delhi