Pakistan Protests Indian Warship’s Alleged EEZ Violation

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with India over what it described as a violation of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata, following an alleged maritime incident involving a Pakistan Navy vessel.

The Foreign Office said the Indian Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned on Wednesday and formally conveyed Pakistan’s protest over what it termed “highly provocative and unacceptable” actions by the Indian warship on September 15.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan rejected the alleged violation and stressed the importance of respecting international law and bilateral agreements governing maritime conduct.

Pakistan also said its Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi would convey a similar demarche to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The Foreign Office said the Pakistan Navy has been conducting the Seaspark-26 exercise in Pakistan’s EEZ since September 1. It alleged that from September 7, INS Kolkata, along with an onboard helicopter, repeatedly attempted to enter the area where the naval exercises were underway.

Pakistan further alleged that the Indian warship carried out dangerous manoeuvres near Pakistani naval vessels despite repeated warnings.

According to the Pakistani account, INS Kolkata manoeuvred close to the Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain on September 15 and made contact with it as the Pakistani ship attempted to avoid a collision. The Foreign Office said the Indian vessel then increased its speed and left the area.

Pakistan described the incident as a violation of the 1991 bilateral agreement and warned that such actions could create serious risks to regional stability.