India has firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations regarding a naval collision between INS Kolkata and PNS Hunain in the western Arabian Sea, describing Islamabad’s response as “the same old stalling” and accusing the Pakistani vessel of carrying out an “unacceptable and unprofessional” overtaking manoeuvre.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had lodged a formal protest after the 15 September incident, asserting that INS Kolkata was on routine deployment in international waters when PNS Hunain attempted a dangerous approach that resulted in contact between the ships. India maintains that the Pakistani vessel violated both the 1991 India–Pakistan Agreement on advance notice of military exercises — which prohibits naval units from coming within three nautical miles of each other — and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Pakistan, however, disputes India’s account, claiming the collision occurred within its Exclusive Economic Zone during its SEASPARK‑26 naval exercise, and accusing the Indian warship of aggressive manoeuvring. India dismissed these claims, reiterating that INS Kolkata suffered no major damage and continued its deployment after the incident.
New Delhi has advised Pakistan to exercise due caution and respect bilateral and international maritime rules to prevent similar incidents. The MEA stressed that such behaviour risks escalating tensions and undermines safety in a region already sensitive due to broader geopolitical developments.