Pakistan protested an alleged EEZ violation by Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata, accusing it of provocative maneuvers near Pakistani vessels during the Sea Spark-26 exercises in the Arabian Sea. The Foreign Office said the warship's actions led to a collision with PNS Hunain on September 15. It called the episode a clear breach of the 1991 bilateral agreement between the two countries.
What happened between Pakistan and India's navy in the Arabian Sea?
Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata allegedly entered Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone during the Sea Spark-26 naval exercises and carried out dangerous maneuvers near Pakistani vessels. On September 15, the ship changed course and collided with PNS Hunain, causing a rubbing incident before INS Kolkata increased speed and left the area.
When did the Indian warship first violate Pakistan's EEZ?
The Pakistan Navy has conducted the Sea Spark-26 exercises inside its EEZ since September 1. The Foreign Office said that from September 7 onward, INS Kolkata and a helicopter deployed aboard it repeatedly tried to enter the area where the drills were underway. It added that the Indian warship carried out dangerous and provocative maneuvers near Pakistani vessels despite receiving multiple warnings.
How did the Indian warship collide with PNS Hunain?
On September 15, INS Kolkata made a sudden change of course and struck PNS Hunain. "Despite efforts by PNS Hunain to avoid the collision, a rubbing incident occurred between the two vessels," the Foreign Office said. INS Kolkata then increased its speed and left the area, according to the statement.
Pakistan described the Indian warship's actions as "highly provocative" and warned that they could have triggered a serious crisis. It credited the Pakistan Navy's professional and responsible conduct with preventing further escalation.
How has Pakistan responded to the incident?
Pakistan raised serious concern over what it called repeated violations by the Indian Navy and accused India of distorting facts to escalate the matter diplomatically. "Such actions reflect a deliberate attempt to undermine regional peace," Pakistan said in its statement. The Foreign Office called on India to honor bilateral agreements and act with restraint at sea.
It also urged Indian authorities to take immediate steps to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Pakistan made clear that its current level of restraint cannot be assumed to continue if India repeats such provocations.
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