A special surveillance operation to monitor the Maldives’ southern Exclusive Economic Zone commenced on the 4th of this month using MNDF Coastguard Ship Dharumavantha and MNDF Air Corps drones.

The Defence Ministry stated that the operation will monitor an area of 200 nautical miles from the Maldives’ southern baseline. Following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s announcement in his Presidential Address on February 5, 2026, that the Maldivian state does not recognize any changes to the Maldives’ territory, this operation was launched to fulfill the responsibilities mandated to the Maldivian military by the Constitution and laws, the Ministry said.

Article 3 of the Constitution defines the territory of the Maldives, while the Maritime Zones Law designates the area extending 200 nautical miles from the baseline as the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The Ministry also stated that apart from the 1976 agreement on the “Determination of the Tri-Junction Point in the Gulf of Mannar,” the government has not concluded any other agreement that would reduce the Maldives’ maritime territory. The Defence Ministry affirmed that the Maldivian military will continue to fulfill its responsibility to protect and maintain the nation’s territorial integrity with utmost capability, loyalty, and steadfastness.