India has summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest after a Pakistan Navy vessel came dangerously close to an Indian Navy warship during a routine surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea.
According to reports, the incident took place on the evening of September 15, 2026, in international waters. The Pakistani naval vessel reportedly approached the Indian frontline warship at high speed and manoeuvred in what the Indian side described as an “unacceptable and unprofessional” manner, resulting in a collision.
No significant damage has been reported from the incident.
India Summons Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi on September 16 and conveyed a strong protest over the conduct of Pakistani naval units.
India said the incident raised serious concerns about navigational safety and the need for military units from both countries to exercise appropriate caution while operating at sea.
The Indian government has also instructed its representative in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What Does the 1991 India-Pakistan Agreement Say?
India has linked the incident to the 1991 Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements between India and Pakistan.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on April 6, 1991, and was subsequently registered with the United Nations.
Importantly, Article 10 of the agreement specifically deals with naval ships and submarines. It states that naval ships and submarines belonging to the two countries should not come within three nautical miles of each other while operating in international waters, with the provision intended to help prevent accidents.
India has therefore argued that the reported close approach and subsequent collision amounted to a violation of this provision.
India Calls for Greater Caution at Sea
New Delhi has asked Pakistan to convey the matter to the relevant authorities and ensure that its military units exercise adequate caution during operations at sea.
India has also stressed that both countries’ military units should follow the applicable bilateral agreements and safety provisions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The latest incident is not the first maritime dispute between Indian and Pakistani naval vessels. In 2011, India lodged a protest over what it described as risky manoeuvres by Pakistan Navy ship PNS Babur involving INS Godavari in international waters, also citing Article 10 of the same 1991 agreement.
