India summons Pakistan diplomat after naval collision in Arabian Sea

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest following a collision between a Pakistani naval vessel and an Indian Navy ship in the northern Arabian Sea.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening during a routine surveillance mission. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, a Pakistani naval unit approached an Indian naval vessel at high speed and manoeuvred in what India described as unsafe and unprofessional circumstances, resulting in the collision.

No major damage has been reported from the incident.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Pakistani diplomat was advised to convey to the authorities in Islamabad the need for military units to exercise due care and comply with relevant bilateral agreements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

India has also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

The incident occurred in international waters in the northern Arabian Sea and has prompted diplomatic action from New Delhi.

India and Pakistan have arrangements concerning the conduct and advance notification of military activities. The Indian government has referred to the relevant bilateral provisions while lodging its protest.

The latest development comes against the backdrop of already sensitive relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Both countries maintain naval and military assets in the Arabian Sea, making adherence to navigational safety and established communication mechanisms important for avoiding accidental incidents.

There was no immediate public response from Pakistan’s government to India’s protest at the time of reporting.

The diplomatic move is aimed at formally conveying India’s concerns and seeking measures to prevent a recurrence.

The incident is being handled through established diplomatic channels, with both sides expected to communicate through their respective representatives.

The collision has therefore become a fresh point of engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad, with India stressing caution, adherence to bilateral arrangements and safe conduct by military units operating at sea. (reuters.com)