India, Pakistan Summon Diplomats After Naval Collision in Arabian Sea

India and Pakistan summoned each other's diplomats on Wednesday after naval vessels from the two countries collided in the northern Arabian Sea a day earlier, triggering a diplomatic exchange between the two neighbours. No major damage was reported.

Pakistan said the collision occurred within its exclusive economic zone while its navy was conducting an exercise. Its Foreign Ministry accused the Indian vessel of taking what it described as aggressive actions dangerously close to a Pakistani ship and said the incident violated international law and a 1991 bilateral agreement covering advance notification of military manoeuvres.

Pakistan summoned a senior Indian diplomat and lodged a protest over what it called a “highly provocative and unacceptable” incident.

India disputed Pakistan's account of the location, saying the collision occurred in international waters. India's Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan's top diplomat and described the incident as “unacceptable and unprofessional”.

New Delhi also called on Pakistan to ensure that its military units exercise caution and comply with bilateral agreements intended to prevent similar incidents.

The collision comes amid longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought three wars since independence in 1947, including two conflicts linked to the disputed Kashmir region. Both countries administer parts of Kashmir while claiming the territory in full.

Relations had also deteriorated sharply following a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir last year. India blamed Pakistan for involvement, while Pakistan denied the allegation. The incident was followed by military strikes between the two countries.