India-Pakistan Naval Collision in the Arabian Sea: Diplomatic Fallout and Legal Dispute

On September 15 a Pakistani Navy offshore patrol vessel, PNS Hunain (F-273), and the Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata made contact in the North Arabian Sea. Indian officials say the Pakistani ship performed a high-speed overtaking maneuver that breached the three-nautical-mile separation required under the 1991 bilateral agreement. The collision caused “severe damage” to PNS Hunain, which returned to harbour for repairs, while INS Kolkata sustained no major damage and continued its mission.

INS Kolkata vs PNS Hunain: Pakistan picked the wrong warship to mess with PNS Hunain severely damaged after collision with INS Kolkata 3 times its size First PostFirst Post‘PNS Hunain violated maritime norms’: India rejects Pakistan’s ‘usual prevarication’ over naval collision Pak vessel PNS Hunain damaged after collision with Indian warship in North Arabian Sea, returns to harbour

The 1991 Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements obliges the two navies to keep at least three nautical miles apart in international waters. A similar provision appears in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The incident revives a prior encounter on June 16, 2011, when Pakistan’s PNS Babur brushed past India’s INS Godavari in the Gulf of Aden.

‘PNS Hunain violated maritime norms’: India rejects Pakistan’s ‘usual prevarication’ over naval collision

• INS Kolkata – Kolkata-class destroyer, 164 m, ?7,400 t displacement, 30 kn max speed, armed with BrahMos, Barak-8 and anti-submarine systems.

PNS Hunain severely damaged after collision with INS Kolkata 3 times its size

• PNS Hunain – Yarmook-class offshore patrol vessel, 98 m, ?2,600 t displacement, ?22 kn top speed, equipped with 30 mm remote stations, Harbah missiles and a 20 mm CIWS.

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• Damage: visual reports show a large dent and possible hull crack on PNS Hunain; INS Kolkata reported “no major damage” and remained operational.

INS Kolkata vs PNS Hunain: Pakistan picked the wrong warship to mess with

India described the maneuver as a “dangerous overtaking” that violated Article 10 of the 1991 agreement and the collision regulations. New Delhi summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest, urging Pakistan to ensure its vessels observe due care.

First Post

The clash tests confidence-building measures between two nuclear-armed neighbours. Repeated breaches of the three-nautical-mile rule raise the risk of accidental escalation in a region where both navies operate in close proximity. The incident underscores the need for clear communication protocols and strict adherence to maritime safety standards.

Analysis: 2 Navies, 2 Ways Of Doing Business At Sea - Beyond India-Pak Ship Collision

• “We have seen Pakistan's response to the protest we lodged. It is the usual prevarication that we expected. We reject the allegations and insinuations contained therein,” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson

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