Indian and Pakistani warships collide in Arabian Sea, diplomats summoned

Two naval vessels from India and Pakistan collided in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, prompting both governments to summon each other’s top diplomats and lodge formal protests, officials said.

India lodged a strong protest with the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, calling the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit “unacceptable and unprofessional” and urging adherence to bilateral agreements to prevent similar incidents, the Indian external affairs ministry said.

Pakistan summoned India’s Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad, accusing the Indian vessel of “aggressive manoeuvres in dangerously close proximity” during Pakistan’s biennial naval exercise SEASPARK-26 in its exclusive economic zone, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign affairs ministry. Pakistan asked the international community to press India to refrain from actions that could further destabilise South Asia.

India said the collision did not cause major damage. Pakistan’s statement did not specify whether its vessel sustained damage.

Both sides accused the other of breaching the 1991 Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements. India specifically cited a violation of Article 10, which requires naval vessels and submarines to maintain a minimum separation of three nautical miles to avoid accidents while operating in international waters.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Both countries summoned each other’s diplomatic representatives and issued formal protests following the collision. India described the Pakistani unit’s conduct as unacceptable and urged compliance with existing agreements. Pakistan reported its navy was conducting SEASPARK-26 when the Indian vessel reportedly manoeuvred in close proximity and called on the international community to intervene.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Collision occurred between Indian and Pakistani naval vessels in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.
• Both countries summoned each other’s Charge d’Affaires and lodged formal protests.
• India cited Article 10 of the 1991 advance-notice agreement requiring three nautical miles separation.