Full Breakdown
India-Pakistan Naval Collision Sparks Diplomatic Protests
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The Incident at Sea
On September 15 a Pakistani naval vessel and an Indian frontline warship made contact in the northern Arabian Sea. Indian officials said the Indian ship was on a routine surveillance mission, while the Pakistani ship approached at high speed and maneuvered unsafely. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported no major damage to either vessel.
1991 Bilateral Agreement
Both governments invoked the Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements signed in April 1991. Article 10 of the pact requires naval ships and submarines of the two countries to maintain a minimum separation of three nautical miles (about 5.6 km) in international waters.
Diplomatic Reactions
- India: The MEA summoned the Pakistani Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a “strong protest” over “unacceptable and unprofessional conduct” by Pakistani naval units. India also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to deliver a matching protest.
- Pakistan: Pakistan’s foreign ministry summoned the Indian Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad, describing the Indian ship’s manoeuvre as “highly provocative and unacceptable,” and urged adherence to the 1991 agreement.
Conflicting Accounts
Indian sources claim the Pakistani vessel closed in at high speed, changed direction unsafely, and caused the collision. Pakistani officials contend the Indian warship entered Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone, performed aggressive manoeuvres, and precipitated the contact. Both sides cite the 1991 agreement to support their narratives; no independent verification has been released.
Official Statements & Responses
The MEA emphasized that the incident occurred in international waters, highlighted the breach of Article 10, and called for greater caution. Pakistan’s foreign office labeled the Indian action a “serious violation of international law” and warned that such incidents could destabilise the region. Both ministries said the matter would be addressed through diplomatic channels rather than military escalation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and a strong protest was lodged with him over the unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy.” — MEA
- “The incident constituted a serious violation of international law and the bilateral agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, 1991, and risked escalating tensions in the region.” — Foreign Office
Why It Matters
The collision is the first overt military friction between the nuclear-armed neighbours since the May 2025 conflict in Kashmir. The Arabian Sea is a key maritime corridor linking the Gulf, Africa and Asia; miscalculations between the two navies risk broader diplomatic repercussions. By invoking the 1991 confidence-building measure, both governments aim to contain the incident within diplomatic frameworks.
Timeline
- September 1 – Pakistan begins SEASPARK-26 exercise in its EEZ.
- September 7 – Indian naval assets reportedly attempt to enter the exercise area.
- September 15 – Collision in the northern Arabian Sea.
- September 16, 2026 – India and Pakistan each summon the other’s Charge d’Affaires; both ministries issue strong protests.