Pakistan lodges protest over Indian naval vessel’s ‘provocative’ manoeuvres in EEZ

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission and lodged a strong protest over a “highly provocative and unacceptable” action by an Indian Navy vessel in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on September 15.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the incident occurred while the Pakistan Navy was conducting its biennial exercise SEASPARK-26.

The ministry said the Indian vessel carried out aggressive manoeuvres in dangerously close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in contact between the two vessels.

It described the incident as a serious violation of international law and the bilateral Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, 1991.

Pakistan said the incident also risked escalating tensions in the region.

The Indian Charge d’Affaires was asked to convey to the Indian government that Pakistan “strongly rejects” the action and urged New Delhi to adhere strictly to international law and bilateral agreements, particularly those aimed at preventing incidents at sea.

The Foreign Office said the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi would lodge the same demarche with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan also urged the international community to call upon India to abandon a “belligerent posture” and refrain from actions that could further destabilise South Asia.

“This region can ill-afford to remain perpetually hostage to India's reckless pursuit of conflict and instability,” the ministry said.