India Condemns "Unprofessional Conduct" After Naval Collision
India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan after a Pakistani naval ship collided with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires to convey New Delhi's condemnation of the 'unacceptable and unprofessional conduct' that led to the incident on the evening of September 15.
According to Indian officials, the Indian warship, engaged in a routine surveillance mission, was shadowed by the Pakistani offshore patrol vessel, PNS Hunain. Despite repeated warnings issued over maritime radio Channel 16, the Pakistani vessel reportedly increased speed and crossed the Indian warship's bow, resulting in a brush between the two ships.
India confirmed that its warship sustained no structural damage and there were no injuries to its personnel. The vessel continued its mission following the incident.
Second Such Incident in Six Months
This collision marks the second such incident in the Arabian Sea within a six-month period, where Pakistani Navy warships have engaged in dangerous close maneuvers near Indian Navy vessels. These incidents occur amidst heightened tensions between the two nations, following last year's 'Operation Sindoor'.
The current collision also brings to mind a similar event 15 years ago, which had caused significant tensions in the Gulf of Aden.
Violation of Bilateral Agreement Cited
The Indian MEA stated that the Pakistani ship's conduct breached Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement concerning advance notice of military exercises, maneuvers, and troop movements. This article mandates that Indian and Pakistani naval ships maintain a minimum distance of three nautical miles (approximately 5.6 km) from each other in international waters to prevent accidents.
PNS Hunain, commissioned in July 2024, is equipped with anti-ship and anti-air weapons and sensors, along with a terminal defense system.
Diplomatic Steps Taken by India
Beyond summoning the Pakistani envoy in New Delhi, India has also instructed its Charge d'Affaires in Islamabad to formally protest the incident with Pakistan's foreign ministry. The MEA emphasized the need for all military units to exercise due care and respect relevant bilateral agreements to prevent a recurrence of such dangerous incidents.