An Indian Navy warship collided with a Pakistani naval vessel in the Arabian Sea on September 15, 2024, while the Indian ship was conducting a routine surveillance mission in international waters.
The incident, which caused no damage or injuries, followed reports that the Pakistani ship was travelling at high speed and maneuvering in an "unprofessional and unsafe manner," said the Indian Navy.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires at the High Commission in New Delhi and lodged a formal protest, citing the breach of Article 10 of the 1991 Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises.
The MEA demanded that Pakistani authorities enforce strict adherence to bilateral maritime safety protocols and warned that any repeat incidents could jeopardise regional stability.
Indian Navy vessels in the northern Arabian Sea play a crucial role in safeguarding merchant shipping lanes, a point underlined by the Navy's spokesperson who said the incident underscores the need for vigilance.
The diplomatic spat is set to continue as India prepares to issue a written protest to Islamabad and will likely convene a joint maritime safety working group to prevent future clashes.