Ina statement that seems surprising to Indian government, the US has announcedthat it conducted the Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) in Indian watersin the Lakshadweep Islands.
Theoperation was conducted without India’s consent and the government is nowassessing if this operational exercise was actually carried out or was it justan innocent passage.
Afterthe US Navy announced that it carried a Freedom of Navigation Operation insideIndia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without prior consent, a seniorgovernment official reacting to the statement said that if it was an innocentpassage it's not an issue.
“Normaltransiting is never objectionable but if there has been an operational exercisewithout informing then it needs to be taken up," the official said.
TheUS Navy official statement said: "On April 7, 2021, the USS John PaulJones asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nauticalmiles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India's EEZ, without requestingIndia's prior consent, consistent with international law.
"Indiarequires prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvers in its exclusiveeconomic zone or continental shelf, a claim inconsistent with internationallaw."
Thestatement further said the FONOP upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful usesof the sea recognised in international law by challenging India's excessivemaritime claims. US forces operate in the Indo-Pacific region on a daily basis.
Alloperations are designed in accordance with international law and demonstratethat the US will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, thestatement said.
"Weconduct routine and regular FONOP), as we have done in the past and willcontinue to in the future. FONOPs are not about one country, nor are they aboutmaking political statements."
However,Indian government officials said it's unusual for such a statement to bereleased. “Any activity within 200 km nautical miles, which falls under EEZ orIndian waters, needs prior permission as per Indian laws”.
Chinesevessels on the pretext of carrying out research activities in Indian watershave been tracked and sent back in the past.