Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: The security establishment in the country has put under surveillance a mysterious Iranian ship anchored, for close to 30 days, near Lakshadweep.
As per a report published in a leading English daily, the ship, MV Assa, has dropped anchor inside India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coast of Kerala and several boats have been making trips to the vessel.
Raising the suspicion about its motive, the ship’s crew has not yet made proper contact with Indian authorities.
As per the report, India cannot press for answers as rules of the sea allow complete freedom of navigation within a country’s EEZ.
While India’s territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast; the EEZ goes further till 200 nautical miles. A country has exclusive right to resources in its EEZ, but cannot interfere with commercial ships in this zone.
MV Assa is believed to be owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and is an entity under US sanctions.
First Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 09:34