US Navy Holds Op Inside India's Exclusive Economic Zone "Without Consent"

Friday, 9 April 2021Newsdesk

In a statement being looked at closely by the Indian government, the US Navy's 7th Fleet has said it conducted Freedom of Navigation Operations within India's exclusive economic zone off the Lakshadweep Islands without India's permission. As per news report of NDTV, this is in dissonance with India's maritime security policy of such exercises requiring its authorisation.

New Delhi, 09 April 2021

"On April 7, 2021 (local time), the USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India's exclusive economic zone, without requesting India's prior consent, consistent with international law. India requires prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, a claim inconsistent with international law," said a statement by the US 7th Fleet Public Affairs.

Source -NDTV