Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy has warned that the Maldives faces increasing maritime security threats from illegal activities in the Indian Ocean, including piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal fishing.

Speaking at a ceremony held at Kalhuthukalaa Koshi on Saturday night to mark the 134th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Hilmy said the Maldives occupies a strategically important location along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

He noted that between 70,000 and 90,000 vessels pass through sea lanes near and within Maldivian waters each year, underscoring the country’s significance to international shipping and regional security.

Hilmy said the Maldives’ maritime territory is important not only to the country but also to the wider international community.

He stressed that transnational threats in the Indian Ocean, particularly piracy, terrorism, narcotics trafficking and illegal fishing within the Maldives’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, pose serious risks to the nation’s sovereignty, independence and economic stability.

Hilmy said these activities have a direct impact on the Maldives and can cause substantial losses to the economy.

In response, the MNDF has strengthened and expanded its maritime surveillance and security operations to better protect the country’s territorial waters.

The MNDF marked its 134th anniversary this week, reaffirming its central role in safeguarding the Maldives’ territorial integrity and national security.