India Summons Pakistan Diplomat After Naval Collision in Arabian Sea

India summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat on Wednesday after a collision involving Pakistani naval units and an Indian naval vessel in international waters, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The collision took place Tuesday in the northern Arabian Sea. India said no major damage was reported in the incident.

The Indian government described the incident as “unacceptable and unprofessional” and called on Pakistan to ensure that its military units exercise caution and comply with bilateral agreements aimed at preventing similar incidents.

India also instructed its top diplomat in Islamabad to raise the matter with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. Pakistan had not immediately issued a public comment on the incident, according to the Associated Press.

The incident comes against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought three wars since gaining independence in 1947, including two conflicts linked to the disputed Kashmir region.

Relations deteriorated further last year after suspected militants killed 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for involvement, while Pakistan denied the allegation. The episode was followed by military strikes by both sides that brought the two nuclear-armed neighbours close to a broader conflict.