The President’s Office has reaffirmed that the Maldives will not permit foreign military forces or other external entities to take control of surveillance operations within its territory, including international shipping routes and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In a strongly worded statement, the government declared that protecting national independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty remains a fundamental national policy.
The statement stressed that surveillance of Maldivian territory and maritime passages must remain under national authority, warning that allowing foreign powers to assume such responsibilities could undermine the country’s sovereignty and threaten regional stability.
The government further urged all parties to refrain from directly or indirectly encouraging foreign involvement that could compromise the Maldives’ control over its territory.
The President’s Office stated that no part of Maldivian territory would be relinquished to foreign military or other surveillance powers under any circumstances.
Highlighting the country’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean, the government noted that major international shipping routes near the Maldives facilitate global oil transportation and commercial trade between continents.
It emphasised that ensuring safe maritime passage is an important contribution the Maldives makes to international commerce and regional security.
The statement also underlined the constitutional responsibility of the Maldivian State to protect its territory, independence and sovereignty.
The government’s declaration comes amid renewed discussions about Indian Ocean security following recent remarks by former President Mohamed Nasheed concerning potential threats to maritime trade routes.
Nasheed, who participated in the Sagarmanthan Great Oceans Dialogue in New Delhi on October 9, has warned that military tensions affecting strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could spread instability into the wider Indian Ocean.
He raised concerns that shipping routes near the Maldives could face disruptions or threats from militant groups if conflicts affecting major international maritime chokepoints intensify.
However, the President’s Office statement did not explicitly name Nasheed or identify any foreign country.
The warning comes as maritime security concerns intensify across the region. Reuters reported on October 14 that attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated amid continuing Middle East tensions.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously maintained that Maldivian territory must not be used for foreign military operations connected to regional conflicts.
In March, he declared that the Maldives would not permit its land, sea or airspace to be used for military purposes in the Middle East and Gulf conflicts.
The latest statement reinforces the administration’s position that the Maldives must retain national authority over maritime surveillance while contributing to regional security and the safe movement of international trade.
