India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan following a collision between naval vessels in international waters in the North Arabian Sea, with New Delhi describing the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit as “unacceptable and unprofessional.”
The incident occurred on September 15 when a Pakistani naval ship approached an Indian Navy vessel during a routine operation. Indian officials said the Pakistani vessel was moving at high speed and manoeuvring unsafely before the collision. No major damage was reported.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and conveyed its protest. The ministry said the incident took place in international waters and that the conduct was contrary to Article 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements.
India has also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. New Delhi called on Pakistani military units to exercise due care and comply with relevant bilateral agreements to prevent similar incidents.
The incident has added a maritime dimension to existing tensions between the two countries. Both sides have taken diplomatic steps over the episode, with Pakistan also raising its objections, according to reports.
The collision highlights the importance of established procedures governing encounters between military vessels, particularly in international waters. India has emphasised adherence to bilateral arrangements and safe conduct at sea following the incident.