India Protests After Collision with Pakistani Navy Ship in Arabian Sea

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Pakistani charge d’affaires in New Delhi to express a “strong protest” following a recent incident involving a collision between an Indian Navy vessel and a Pakistani naval ship in the Arabian Sea. The incident reportedly took place in international waters, but the exact timing and circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear.

According to officials, the Indian Navy ship sustained no significant damage. However, New Delhi has categorized the actions of the Pakistani naval units involved as “unacceptable and unprofessional.” This assertion raises concerns about adherence to existing maritime protocols, particularly a bilateral agreement established in 1991 that mandates the advance notification of military exercises and movements in proximity to one another’s naval operations.

In light of this incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has urged the Pakistani charge d’affaires to relay its concerns to Islamabad, emphasizing the necessity for all military units to exercise due caution and adhere to the agreed-upon protocols to avert similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, the Indian charge d’affaires in Islamabad has been directed to formally convey a similar protest to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This diplomatic tension comes against the backdrop of strained relations between India and Pakistan, especially after Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with India in August 2019 in response to New Delhi’s abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, both nations have been represented by chargés d’affaires rather than high commissioners, signaling the ongoing friction in diplomatic relations.

The recent collision incident highlights the delicate nature of maritime interactions in the region, where both countries maintain a significant naval presence. The Indian government’s swift response indicates its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring that military engagements at sea are conducted professionally and in accordance with bilateral agreements. Observers will be watching closely to see how this situation evolves and whether further diplomatic measures are taken by either side to mitigate tensions in the maritime domain.

Source: scroll.in