US Navy Ship Enters India's EEZ Without Permission; Pentagon Defends US
US navy ship asserted navigational rights in India's Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Lakshadweep without prior consent, stated the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on April 7. This was done to challenge India's "excessive maritime claims". Pentagon stated, "that's consistent with the international law". Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said it's the responsibility of the US to uphold freedom of navigation, rights and lawful uses of sea recognized in international law.