Maldives Takes Control of Northern Chagos Waters, Rejects ITLOS Ruling

The Maldives has asserted control over the territorial waters of the northern Chagos area, directly challenging an ITLOS ruling. The MNDF Coast Guard ship Dharumavantha and Air Corps drones initiated a special surveillance operation over the southern special economic zone on 4 February, covering 200 nautical miles from the southern baseline. This follows President Mohamed Muizzu's declaration during his 2026 presidential address to parliament. The defence ministry stated that the state does not recognize any changes to Maldivian territory as defined under the Constitution and national laws, citing Article 115(d), Article 243, the Armed Forces Act, and the Maldives Maritime Zones Act as legal basis.

The Maldives has asserted control over the territorial waters of the northern Chagos area, directly challenging an ITLOS ruling. The MNDF Coast Guard ship Dharumavantha and Air Corps drones initiated a special surveillance operation over the southern special economic zone on 4 February, covering 200 nautical miles from the southern baseline. This follows President Mohamed Muizzu's declaration during his 2026 presidential address to parliament. The defence ministry stated that the state does not recognize any changes to Maldivian territory as defined under the Constitution and national laws, citing Article 115(d), Article 243, the Armed Forces Act, and the Maldives Maritime Zones Act as legal basis.

The Maldives has asserted control over the territorial waters of the northern Chagos area, directly challenging an ITLOS ruling. The MNDF Coast Guard ship Dharumavantha and Air Corps drones initiated a special surveillance operation over the southern special economic zone on 4 February, covering 200 nautical miles from the southern baseline. This follows President Mohamed Muizzu's declaration during his 2026 presidential address to parliament. The defence ministry stated that the state does not recognize any changes to Maldivian territory as defined under the Constitution and national laws, citing Article 115(d), Article 243, the Armed Forces Act, and the Maldives Maritime Zones Act as legal basis.

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