India, Pakistan naval vessels collide; MEA summons Pakistan envoy in New Delhi - The Hindu

**India, Pakistan naval vessels collide; MEA summons Pakistan envoy in New Delhi**

*New Delhi –* A Pakistani Navy corvette and an Indian Navy warship collided in the Arabian Sea on Monday, an incident that has sparked diplomatic protests and a call for investigations by both sides. The collision occurred in what officials described as international waters, roughly 150 nautical miles off the coast of Gujarat, when the Pakistani vessel reportedly “grazed” the Indian ship at high speed. Initial statements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian ship sustained minor damage but no casualties, while the Pakistani side confirmed that its corvette suffered a “superficial impact” and that all crew members were safe. Both navies have termed the event “unprofessional” and are now seeking to ascertain the precise sequence of events that led to the contact.

The Indian MEA summoned Pakistan’s High Commissioner in New Delhi later that day, demanding a formal explanation and urging Islamabad to cooperate fully with any joint inquiry. Pakistan’s Foreign Office responded that it had already lodged a protest with the Indian counterpart and would cooperate with investigations, emphasizing that the incident was accidental and not a deliberate act of aggression. Military spokespeople from New Delhi and Islamabad have each pledged to conduct “thorough” inquiries, with the Indian Navy indicating that its ship’s radar logs and the crew’s testimony will be examined, while the Pakistani Navy said it would review the corvette’s navigation data and speed records.

The collision adds another flashpoint to an already tense Indo‑Pak maritime relationship, which has seen periodic confrontations and close encounters over the past decade. Analysts note that the incident underscores the need for clearer protocols and better communication channels to prevent future mishaps in the heavily trafficked waters of the Arabian Sea. While both governments have called for calm and restraint, the episode may prompt renewed diplomatic dialogue on naval de‑confliction mechanisms and could influence broader regional security calculations, especially as both nations continue to modernize their fleets and expand their operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region.