Business & Economy

India expresses concern over US military maneuvers in its waters

New Delhi, Apr 9 (EFE).- New Delhi expressed its concern to Washington over military maneuvers by the navy ship USS John Paul Jones in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone without its consent of New Delhi, according to a statement by the Indian foreign ministry Friday.

The United States, on its part, stressed that it was within its right to conduct this naval activity.

“India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres (…) without the consent of the coastal state,” said the ministry statement.

“We have conveyed our concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of USA through diplomatic channels,” it added.

India’s statement comes two days after the 7th Fleet of the US Navy announced conducting its “freedom of navigation” operations near the Indian archipelago of Lakshadweep.

“On April 7, 2021 (local time) USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) 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,” the US statement asserted.

It said that the operation was conducted although “India requires prior consent for military exercises or maneuvers in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, a claim inconsistent with international law.”

It claimed the maneuver “upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea” recognized in international law by challenging India’s “excessive maritime claims.”

It then concluded that these operations were “routine and regular” and will continue in the future. EFE

igr/sc

Related Articles

Back to top button