An Indian Navy warship and a Pakistan Navy vessel collided in the North Arabian Sea on Tuesday evening, September 15, in an incident that has now led to a diplomatic protest by New Delhi.
The collision took place in international waters while the Indian Navy vessel was carrying out a routine surveillance mission, according to reports. India has described the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit as “unacceptable and unprofessional”.
No major damage was reported from the incident, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Pakistan Diplomat Summoned in Delhi
Following the incident, the MEA summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi on Wednesday.
India lodged a strong protest over what it described as the conduct of Pakistani naval units that led to the collision. The Pakistani diplomat was asked to convey New Delhi’s concerns to the relevant authorities in Islamabad.
India has also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What Happened in the Arabian Sea?
According to Indian sources cited in reports, the Pakistani naval vessel came close to the Indian warship at high speed and carried out manoeuvres that India described as unsafe and unprofessional.
The Indian vessel was reportedly on a routine surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea when the incident occurred. The exact sequence of events immediately before the collision has not been publicly detailed by both sides.
The identities of the Indian warship and the Pakistani vessel were initially not disclosed by the MEA.
India Raises 1991 Agreement
India has also linked the incident to the 1991 Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements.
According to the MEA, the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit was in direct contravention of Article 10 of the agreement. The pact is part of measures designed to reduce the risk of military incidents between the two countries.
India has called for greater caution by Pakistani military units and adherence to existing bilateral agreements.
Pakistan’s Response Awaited
As of Wednesday, there was no immediate public response from Pakistan explaining its account of the collision.
The incident comes at a sensitive time in India-Pakistan relations. However, the available reports have not indicated any major damage or casualties from the naval collision. Further details about the two vessels and the circumstances surrounding the incident are expected as more information becomes available.
