The Government of Maldives has asked the Government of India to provide details of the operation carried out by the Indian Army on three Maldivian fishing vessels operating in the Maldives' territorial waters.

MNDF had not previously confirmed the arrival of Indian troops on 'Mahora 3' and 'Niru7', as well as 'Asurma-3', which was fishing within the Special Economic Zone of the Maldives, 72 nautical miles northeast of Dhidhdhoo.

However, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday night that it has been confirmed that the fishing vessels were boarded by boarding teams belonging to Indian Coast Guard Ship 246 and Indian Coast Guard Ship 253.

"On February 01, 2024, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was formally asked to provide details of the operation carried out by the Indian Army in violation of international maritime laws and regulations without coordinating with any relevant authorities of the Maldives," the Defence statement said.

The statement added that MNDF will continue to protect and protect the country's special economic zone.