Muhammad Amanullah — September 17, 2026
Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with India over what it described as an alleged violation of Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by an Indian naval vessel and a subsequent collision involving a Pakistani naval ship.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident took place on September 15, 2026, while the Pakistan Navy was conducting its SEASPARK-26 exercise. Pakistan described the reported conduct of the Indian vessel as highly provocative and unacceptable and called on India to comply with international law and bilateral agreements. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Strong Protest Lodged
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and conveyed a strong protest over the incident.
According to the Foreign Office, India was urged to immediately prevent such actions and strictly observe international law and bilateral agreements, particularly arrangements designed to prevent incidents at sea. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Pakistan also said that the existing agreements between the two countries are intended to help prevent dangerous encounters and ensure responsible conduct during naval activities.
SEASPARK-26 Exercise
According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, the Pakistan Navy has been conducting its biennial SEASPARK-26 exercise in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Pakistan said that since September 7, an Indian naval vessel and helicopter had made attempts to enter the area where the exercise was being conducted.
The Pakistani side said the Indian vessel’s movements went beyond what it considered routine deployment and included activity in close proximity to Pakistani naval ships. Pakistan described the reported manoeuvres as dangerous and provocative. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Repeated Warnings
Pakistan said the Indian naval vessel was warned multiple times but allegedly continued what the Foreign Office described as irresponsible manoeuvres.
The Pakistani government said the actions were inconsistent with the spirit and provisions of the 1991 bilateral agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, which is intended to reduce the risk of incidents between the two countries’ armed forces. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Contact Between INS Kolkata and PNS Haneen
According to Pakistan’s account, the situation became more serious on September 15 when the Indian naval vessel INS Kolkata suddenly changed course in a dangerous manner and came into contact with the Pakistani naval vessel PNS Haneen.
Pakistan said PNS Haneen attempted to avoid the collision, but contact nevertheless occurred between the two vessels.
The Foreign Office further said that INS Kolkata increased its speed immediately after the incident and left the area.
Pakistan described the incident as serious and said the conduct created a risk of further escalation.
Pakistan Says Further Escalation Was Avoided
The Foreign Office said the professional and responsible conduct of the Pakistan Navy helped prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
Pakistan maintained that the reported actions by the Indian vessel could have triggered a major crisis but said its naval forces acted responsibly to prevent further escalation. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The incident has nevertheless prompted a diplomatic exchange between the two countries. Reporting on the dispute indicates that India has also raised objections over the conduct of Pakistani naval units, with the two sides presenting different accounts of how the collision occurred. (NewsCord)
Pakistan Rejects India’s Account
The Pakistani Foreign Office accused India of presenting a distorted account of the incident and said the reported actions could affect regional peace and stability.
Pakistan called on India to comply with bilateral agreements and follow responsible procedures during naval operations.
The Foreign Office also said the incident should not be treated as a routine maritime encounter given the potential for military tensions between the two countries.
Call for Immediate Measures
Pakistan called for immediate and effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Foreign Office said irresponsible activity at sea could increase tensions between Pakistan and India and stressed the importance of following international law and bilateral agreements.
Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi was also expected to lodge a similar demarche with India’s Ministry of External Affairs. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Pakistan Warns Against Further Provocation
Along with its diplomatic protest, Pakistan issued a strong warning regarding any future incidents.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s current level of restraint should not be taken for granted in the face of further provocation.
Pakistan stressed that maintaining peace and stability in the region requires both countries to respect international law, honour bilateral agreements and avoid actions that could lead to a larger crisis.
India, meanwhile, has presented its own account of the incident and has also raised objections concerning the conduct of Pakistani naval units. The competing accounts mean that details surrounding the collision remain disputed between the two sides. (NewsCord)
Pakistan Foreign Office — Official Statement
