ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with India over what it described as a violation of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the Indian vessel made dangerous manoeuvres near Pakistani naval ships during the SEASPARK-26 exercise.
The Foreign Office said the Pakistan Navy began the exercise in Pakistan’s EEZ on September 1. It added that an Indian naval vessel and its onboard helicopter had made repeated attempts to enter the exercise area since September 7.
Pakistan Says Indian Warship Made Dangerous Manoeuvres
According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, INS Kolkata moved close to Pakistan Navy vessels and continued its activities despite repeated warnings.
Pakistan rejected India’s description of the incident as a routine deployment.
The Foreign Office said the Indian vessel’s actions violated the 1991 bilateral agreement on advance notice for military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements.
Pakistan also described the reported manoeuvres as provocative and said they could have triggered a serious crisis.
Pakistan Says INS Kolkata Collided With PNS Hunain
The Foreign Office said the situation escalated on September 15.
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According to the Pakistani account, INS Kolkata suddenly changed course in a dangerous manner. The move resulted in contact with PNS Hunain, a Pakistan Navy vessel.
Pakistan said PNS Hunain took evasive action to avoid the collision.
The Foreign Office added that INS Kolkata increased its speed and left the area after the incident.
Pakistan credited what it described as the professional and responsible conduct of its navy with preventing further escalation.
India Gives a Different Account
India has disputed Pakistan’s account of the incident.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a formal protest.
According to the Indian government, Pakistani naval units acted in an “unacceptable and unprofessional” manner and caused the collision.
India said the incident occurred in international waters. It also said the Pakistani vessel’s conduct violated provisions of the 1991 bilateral agreement.
The two governments therefore have different accounts of how the collision occurred and where it took place.
Pakistan Calls for Restraint
Pakistan said it views the reported Indian naval activities with serious concern.
The Foreign Office called on India to respect bilateral agreements and follow responsible conduct at sea.
Islamabad also urged Indian authorities to take immediate steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Pakistan said such incidents could increase tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The Foreign Office also accused India of distorting the facts and attempting to escalate the matter diplomatically. India, however, has presented the incident differently and has lodged its own protest.
The exchange of protests adds to tensions between Pakistan and India following the September 15 naval incident in the Arabian Sea.
