India Summons Pakistani Diplomat After Naval Ships Collide in Arabian Sea

A Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian frontline naval warship in the North Arabian Sea on September 15. India said its vessel was conducting a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani ship approached at high speed and maneuvered unsafely. No major damage was reported. India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich and described the conduct as unacceptable and unprofessional. India said the actions violated Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement, which requires naval vessels and submarines to maintain at least three nautical miles of separation in international waters. The Pakistani Charge d'Affaires was advised to convey to concerned authorities the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents. India's Charge d'Affaires in Islamabad was instructed to lodge a similar protest with Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 1991 agreement also concerns advance notification of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements. What is contested: Coverage carries only India's account. India attributes the collision to the Pakistani vessel's high-speed approach and unsafe manoeuvre. Pakistan had not issued a public response as of the reports. What is unresolved: The record does not include any Pakistani reply or further steps beyond the dual protests.