Unprofessional: Pakistani Ship Collides With Indian Navy Vessel, Delhi Summons Envoy As Airspace Ban Extended

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich and lodged a strong protest after a Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian Navy ship in international waters in the North Arabian Sea. India described the Pakistani vessel’s conduct as “unacceptable and unprofessional”. The incident took place on the evening of September 15, around 220 kilometres east of Oman, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

According to the MEA, the Indian Navy warship was carrying out a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani vessel approached it at high speed. The close range manoeuvres resulted in a minor collision before the two vessels were steered away from each other. The incident caused no major damage, the ministry said.

The MEA did not officially identify either vessel. However, media reports citing sources identified the Pakistani ship as PNS Hunain, a Yarmook class offshore patrol vessel commissioned in 2024. Reports said PNS Hunain sustained damage, while the Indian warship continued its mission without reported damage.

India said the Pakistani vessel’s actions were in direct contravention of Article 10 of the 1991 Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements. The provision requires Indian and Pakistani naval ships and submarines operating in international waters to maintain a minimum distance of three nautical miles from each other to prevent accidents.

New Delhi told Warraich that Pakistani military units must exercise due care and comply with bilateral agreements. India has also instructed its Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad to lodge a similar protest with Pakistan’s foreign ministry. A similar India Pakistan naval dispute occurred in 2011, when New Delhi protested alleged risky manoeuvres by Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Babur involving INS Godavari.

The maritime incident comes as Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on Indian aircraft for another month. A Pakistan Airports Authority NOTAM issued on Wednesday keeps the restriction in force until 4:59 am on October 24, with the latest extension taking effect at 10:45 am on September 16.

The ban covers Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators, including military flights, across Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore Flight Information Regions. It is the 17th extension since the restriction was first imposed on April 23, 2025. India imposed matching restrictions on Pakistani airlines shortly afterwards.