Key Takeaways
- Pakistan summoned Indian Chargé d’Affaires over alleged naval aggression.
- Incident occurred during Pakistan’s SEASPARK-26 naval exercise.
- Pakistan warned of potential escalation in regional tensions.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Indian Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad to protest what it termed a ‘highly provocative and unacceptable’ action by an Indian Navy vessel in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on September 15.
The incident, which took place while the Pakistan Navy was conducting its biennial exercise SEASPARK-26, involved aggressive maneuvers by the Indian vessel in close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in contact between the two vessels.
Pakistan described the episode as a serious violation of international law and the 1991 bilateral Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, warning that it risks escalating tensions in the region.
The Foreign Office stated that the Indian Chargé d’Affaires was asked to convey to New Delhi that Pakistan ‘strongly rejects this belligerent Indian action’ and urged India to strictly adhere to international law and bilateral agreements.
In a parallel move, Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi is set to lodge the same protest with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Pakistan also called on the international community to press India to ‘abandon its belligerent posture’ and refrain from actions that could further destabilize South Asia, adding that the region ‘can ill-afford to remain perpetually hostage to India’s reckless pursuit of conflict and instability.’
