Pakistan condemns Indian naval maneuvers as violation of agreements

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and lodged a strong protest over the violation of its Exclusive Economic Zone by Indian naval ship INS Kolkata, calling its actions “provocative and irresponsible” and a “blatant violation” of bilateral agreements and regional peace, the Foreign Office said.

The Pakistan Navy has been conducting ‘Seaspark-26’ exercises in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone since September 1.

According to the Foreign Office, the Indian vessel carried out aggressive maneuvers in dangerously close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in contact between the two vessels.

“The incident constituted a serious violation of international law and the bilateral agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, 1991, and risked escalating tensions in the region,” the statement added.

The FO said that on September 15, INS Kolkata altered its course dangerously and collided with PNS Hunain.

“Despite evasive maneuvers by PNS Hunain, a scraping incident occurred with the Indian ship. Following the incident, INS Kolkata increased speed and fled the area,” the statement added.

“The Pakistan Navy’s professional and responsible conduct prevented the situation from escalating further,” it added.

Pakistan emphasized that Indian actions represent a deliberate attempt to undermine regional peace and urged New Delhi to adhere to bilateral agreements and responsible conduct.

“Pakistan has made it clear that the current level of restraint in the face of Indian provocation should not be taken for granted in the future,” it added.

Following the violations, the Charge d’Affaires was asked to convey to the government of India that Pakistan “strongly rejects” this belligerent Indian action.

Islamabad urged the Indian side to adhere strictly to international law and bilateral agreements, particularly those aimed at preventing incidents at sea.

Pakistan also urged the international community to call upon India to abandon its belligerent posture and refrain from irresponsible actions that could further destabilize South Asia.

“This region can ill-afford to remain perpetually hostage to India’s reckless pursuit of conflict and instability,” the Foreign Office said.

“The Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi will lodge the same demarche with India’s Ministry of External Affairs,” the statement concluded.