NEW DELHI: A fresh diplomatic flashpoint has erupted between India and Pakistan after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy unit in international waters, triggering a strong response from New Delhi. The incident has raised tensions between the two countries at sea.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the collision did not cause any major damage. However, New Delhi described the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit as “unacceptable and unprofessional” and lodged a strong protest with Islamabad.
In a major diplomatic move, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich was summoned by the Indian government. The move signals New Delhi’s serious objection to the circumstances surrounding the maritime incident.
According to the MEA, the conduct of the Pakistani naval ship was in direct contravention of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement concerning advance notification of military movements. The ministry said the incident occurred in international waters.
While no major damage was reported, the collision has added a new maritime dimension to already sensitive India-Pakistan relations. New Delhi’s strong diplomatic protest puts the spotlight on compliance with agreed maritime and military protocols between the two neighbours.
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