The maritime boundaries in the Arabian Sea witnessed a tense encounter as naval vessels from India and Pakistan were involved in a collision on the evening of Wednesday, September 15. This incident occurs against the backdrop of prolonged diplomatic friction between the two neighboring nations and is expected to further intensify the existing tensions. According to official reports, the collision took place in the northern reaches of the Arabian Sea during a period when the Indian Navy was conducting its routine maritime surveillance operations.
Details of the Maritime Incident
The Indian Navy has provided a detailed account of the circumstances leading up to the collision. On September 15, while an Indian Navy frontline warship was engaged in a routine surveillance mission in the northern Arabian Sea, it was approached by a vessel belonging to the Pakistan Navy. The Pakistani ship was identified as PNS Hunain, which is a Yarmook-class Offshore Patrol Vessel. Reports indicate that the Pakistani vessel was operating at a high rate of speed and was maneuvering in a manner described as both unsafe and unprofessional. These erratic movements eventually led to a physical contact between the two naval ships. Fortunately, despite the impact of the collision, there have been no reports of significant damage to either vessel or any injuries to the personnel on board.
Diplomatic Protest and Summoning of Officials
In response to this maritime encounter, the Government of India has registered a strong formal protest. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission to convey India's serious concerns regarding the incident. During this meeting, Indian officials expressed their strong disapproval of the unacceptable and non-professional behavior exhibited by the Pakistani Navy in international waters. The Indian side emphasized that such actions pose a risk to maritime safety and are contrary to established naval protocols.
Violation of Bilateral Agreements
The Indian government has specifically pointed out that this incident constitutes a direct violation of existing bilateral frameworks. Specifically, it's seen as a breach of Article 10 of the agreement signed between India and Pakistan in April 1991. This particular agreement pertains to providing advance notice for military exercises, maneuvers, and the movement of troops to prevent misunderstandings and accidental escalations. By failing to maintain safe distances and professional conduct, the Pakistani vessel's actions have been flagged as a disregard for these long-standing diplomatic and military safeguards.
Directives for Future Conduct
During the summoning of the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires, the Indian authorities advised that the message be communicated clearly to the relevant officials in Pakistan, while the advice underscored the necessity for all military units to exercise appropriate caution and strictly adhere to the provisions of bilateral agreements to prevent the recurrence of such dangerous incidents in the future. On top of that, the Ministry of External Affairs has also instructed the Indian Charge d'Affaires based in Islamabad to lodge a similar formal protest with the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring that the grievance is recorded at both diplomatic capitals.