The passage of the American destroyer John Paul Jones through the exclusive economic zone of India was committed in accordance with international law and is not directed against the interests of the republic. This was announced on Friday, April 9, during a regular briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby.
According to him, "this innocent passage" was carried out within the framework of normal operations and "in accordance with international law." The official representative of the US Department of Defense stressed that this is the responsibility of the American side "for maintaining the freedom of navigation" and "the freedom of the legitimate use of maritime spaces recognized by international law."
"This is not against any country. That's the principle. And we're doing it all over the world, " Kirby said. Washington calls such actions of the US Navy "operations to ensure freedom of navigation".
A spokesman for the US military department said that such cases often draw attention to when US actions of this kind are aimed at China with its "excessive claims to the sea."
"But it's not just about China," he said. At the same time, Kirby declined to discuss the content of conversations with India about the incident.
Earlier, the Indian TV channel NDTV reported that on April 7, 2021, the US Navy destroyer John Paul Jones passed to the west of the Indian-owned Lakshadweep Islands through the exclusive economic zone of India, without obtaining the prior consent of the Indian side.
In response, the Indian Foreign Ministry on April 9 expressed concern to the United States about this passage. The corresponding message is posted on the website of the Indian Foreign Ministry.
