New Delhi has summoned Islamabad’s top envoy after a Pakistani naval ship collided with an Indian Navy warship in international waters, 15 years after a similar incident sparked tensions in the Gulf of Aden. However, the Indian Navy warship did not suffer any structural damage or injuries to its personnel.
In a strongly worded statement, the MEA said the “unacceptable and unprofessional conduct” of Pakistani naval units led to the collision. The development comes as tensions between India and Pakistan remain at an all-time high following last year’s Operation Sindoor.
Sources said this was the second such incident in six months in the Arabian Sea, where Pakistan navy warships have attempted dangerous close manoeuvres near Indian Navy assets deployed for anti-piracy and surveillance missions near the Gulf of Aden.
HOW DID THE COLLISION HAPPEN?
The incident took place in the North Arabian Sea on the evening of September 15, sources told India Today.
The Indian warship was on a routine surveillance mission when it was shadowed by PNS Hunain, an offshore patrol vessel. Sources said repeated warnings were issued over Channel 16 (maritime radio channel to convey distress).
Despite that, the Pakistani vessel suddenly increased speed and cut across the Indian warship’s bow from the starboard side. The bow of the Pakistani vessel eventually brushed against the Indian warship, sources further said.
No structural damage, no injuries, and no loss of capability reported on the Indian side. The Indian warship continued its mission after the incident,” sources said.
Separately, the Indian Navy has taken up the matter with the Pakistan military through established channels.
The PNS Hunain, commissioned in July 2024, is equipped with anti-ship, anti-air weapons and sensors, and a terminal defence system.
INDIA CITES 1991 AGREEMENT
In its statement, India said the conduct of the Pakistani ship was in “direct contravention” of Article 10 of the 1991 agreement between the two countries on advance notice of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements.
Article 10 of the 1991 agreement lays down safety guidelines for the naval vessels and submarines of the two countries while operating in international waters.
It requires Indian and Pakistani naval ships operating in international waters to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles (around 5.6 km) from each other to prevent accidents.
“The Pakistani diplomat was asked to convey to the relevant authorities the need for all military units to exercise due care and comply with bilateral agreements to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the MEA statement said.
India has also instructed Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to urgently lodge a protest and take up the matter with Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
BRINGS BACK 2011 MEMORIES
This is not the first time that India has warned Pakistan of aggressive manoeuvres by its navy in international waters.
In 2011, the INS Godavari’s flight deck net was damaged after Pakistani naval vessel, PNS Babur, brushed past it at high speed.
The incident happened in the Gulf of Aden when INS Godavari was in the vicinity of the bulk carrier MV Suez, which was being escorted by the PNS Babur. The MV Suez had just been released after being hijacked by Somali pirates.
Then, Pakistan alleged that Indian Navy personnel made “unfriendly gestures” at PNS Babur – a charge that was dismissed by India.
The then Indian Navy chief said PNS Babur made a dangerous approach from the stern at high speed, leading to the collision. While protesting with Islamabad, New Delhi had also given photographic evidence of PNS Babur’s dangerous manoeuvres.
