MNDF to Strengthen Security of Special Economic Zone Following Presidential Directive

News

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will continue safeguarding and monitoring the nation’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in line with directives from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

This follows the President’s remarks at the opening of the 20th People’s Majlis, where he stressed that the Government does not accept any alterations to the Maldives’ territories as defined by the Constitution and national laws. He reaffirmed that the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including ceded waters, is legally established under the Law on Maritime Areas, using archipelagic baselines.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that the Constitution empowers the President to maintain the nation’s independence and security, with the Armed Forces responsible for protecting the Maldives’ sovereignty and national interests. The country’s territory encompasses land, air, sea, and submarine areas within archipelagic baselines, as well as a 200-nautical-mile EEZ, recognised since the 1976 Gulf of Mannar tri-junction agreement.

To enhance monitoring, the MNDF Coast Guard ship Darumavantha and MNDF Air Corps drones have been deployed to the Southern SEZ. Over the past two years, the Government has also introduced modern sea and air vessels and expanded resources to strengthen maritime security.

The Ministry reassured the public that the MNDF will take all necessary measures to maintain a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable maritime environment, ensuring the Maldives can realise both economic and social benefits in accordance with the law.