Indian and Pakistani Naval Vessels Collide in Arabian Sea as Both Sides Exchange Protests
New Delhi, September 17, 2026: A maritime incident involving Indian and Pakistani naval vessels in the North Arabian Sea has triggered a diplomatic exchange between the two countries, with both governments presenting different accounts of what led to the collision.
The incident occurred on the evening of September 15 in waters that India describes as international waters. Indian officials said an Indian Navy warship was carrying out a routine surveillance mission when a Pakistani naval vessel approached it and the two ships subsequently came into contact.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Pakistani naval unit’s manoeuvring was unacceptable and unprofessional. New Delhi subsequently summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires and lodged a formal protest. India also instructed its diplomatic representative in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
Pakistan has provided a different account. Its Foreign Office said the incident occurred within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone while its navy was conducting the SEASPARK-26 exercise. Islamabad accused the Indian vessel of conducting dangerous manoeuvres close to Pakistani naval ships and formally protested the incident.
The two governments have also referred to their 1991 agreement concerning advance notification of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements, although they disagree over how its provisions apply to the incident.
Reports identify the Pakistani vessel as PNS Hunain, while the Indian warship has been identified by Indian sources as INS Kolkata. Indian officials said the Indian vessel did not suffer major damage and continued its mission. Reports regarding the condition of the Pakistani vessel indicate that it sustained damage and subsequently headed toward port.
The collision has attracted particular attention because India and Pakistan have a history of military confrontation and remain involved in longstanding disputes. The latest incident has therefore prompted renewed diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
At present, India and Pakistan continue to dispute responsibility for the collision. Further official information about the circumstances surrounding the encounter could help clarify the sequence of events and the extent of damage to the vessels.
