USS John Paul Jones conducts patrol in Indian waters without prior consent
As per Indian law any activity within the EEZ or Indian waters needs prior permission.
By IAR Desk
In an unexpected move, the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet said it conducted Freedom of Navigation Operations within India’s exclusive economic zone, off the Lakshadweep Islands, without prior consent.
In a statement released the US Navy said “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.”
“India requires prior consent for military exercises or maneuvers in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, a claim inconsistent with international law. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims.”
The USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer.
The statement further said “U.S. Forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis. All operations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
“We conduct routine and regular Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs), as we have done in the past and will continue to in the future. FONOPs are not about one country, nor are they about making political statements.”
There has been no response from either the Indian Navy or the Ministry of External Affairs till now.
Every coastal country’s Exclusive Economy Zone (EEZ) extends to 200 nautical miles (370km) from its shores. As per Indian law any activity within the EEZ or Indian waters needs prior permission. India also has exclusive rights to all resources in the water.
However, Indian government officials told IANS that it’s unusual for such a statement to be released.
“We don’t object to normal transiting. But if there has been an operational exercise without informing then it needs to be taken up,” official sources told IANS.
India and the US are strategic allies, and have conducted joint naval exercises. Together with Australia and Japan, they make up the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) which is viewed as a grouping to balance China.
