‘Belligerent action’: Pakistan protests Indian Navy vessel’s 'provocative' manoeuvre near PN vessel

Pakistan has summoned the Indian High Commission's representative to express strong disapproval over an Indian Navy ship's provocative behavior near Pakistani territorial waters, according to the Foreign Office on Wednesday. The incident transpired on September 15 while the Pakistani Navy was engaged in its biannual SEASPARK-26 exercise.

The FO reported that the Indian vessel exhibited "aggressive maneuvers" in extremely close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, leading to contact between the two vessels. The ministry labeled the episode as a "serious breach of international law" and the 1991 bilateral understanding on Advance Notice of Military Exercises, Manoeuvres, and Troop Movements.

It further warned that the incident could heighten regional tensions. The Indian diplomat was instructed to communicate to New Delhi that Pakistan "firmly rejects" the "aggressive Indian action" and urged India to comply with international law and bilateral agreements, especially those designed to avert maritime incidents. The FO added that Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi would make a similar protest to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan also implored the global community to dissuade India from what it characterized as "irresponsible actions" that could exacerbate instability in South Asia. "The region cannot afford to be constantly held captive by India's reckless pursuit of conflict and instability," the ministry concluded.