Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India-Pakistan Naval Face-Off Echoes Earlier 2011 Maritime Standoff
An Indian navy ship and a Pakistani navy ship came very close to each other at sea.
This happened on September 15 in the North Arabian Sea.
The ships were about 220 kilometres east of Oman.
India said the Pakistani ship moved quickly and unpredictably.
The ships grazed past each other, but nobody was hurt and there was no major damage.
India protested to Pakistan’s diplomatic representative.
A similar event happened in 2011 between INS Godavari and PNS Babur.
Both incidents raised concerns about rules meant to keep ships safely apart.
An Indian and Pakistani warship came into close contact in international waters on September 15 in the North Arabian Sea.
The incident occurred about 220 kilometres east of Oman during an Indian surveillance operation.
India said the Pakistani vessel approached at high speed and manoeuvred erratically before grazing the Indian warship.
No casualties or major structural damage were reported, but India summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to issue a formal protest.
The episode recalled a June 2011 confrontation involving INS Godavari and PNS Babur during anti-piracy operations after the release of MV Suez.
- Who
- An Indian Navy vessel and a Pakistan Navy warship were involved; India’s protest was delivered to Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich.
- What
- The warships came into close contact after the Pakistani vessel allegedly approached at high speed and manoeuvred erratically; the vessels grazed past each other.
- When
- The latest incident occurred on September 15, 2026; the comparable confrontation occurred in June 2011.
- Where
- The latest incident occurred in the North Arabian Sea, approximately 220 kilometres east of Oman, in international waters.
- Why
- India said the manoeuvre violated bilateral maritime safety protocols, including the requirement to maintain a minimum three-nautical-mile distance.
India’s Account
Pakistan’s Account
Cause of the 2011 confrontation
India’s Account
India said PNS Babur approached INS Godavari at unsafe speed and brushed its flight deck, damaging helicopter safety netting.
Pakistan’s Account
Pakistan alleged that INS Godavari obstructed a humanitarian rescue mission.
Latest manoeuvre
India’s Account
India described the Pakistani warship’s high-speed and allegedly erratic approach as unacceptable and unprofessional, and said it breached safety protocols.
Pakistan’s Account
The article does not provide Pakistan’s account of the September 15 incident.
Applicable safety distance
India’s Account
India cited bilateral confidence-building measures requiring naval ships and submarines in international waters to remain at least three nautical miles apart.
Pakistan’s Account
The article does not state Pakistan’s position on the interpretation or application of the three-nautical-mile rule.
- Latest incident
- A naval encounter occurred on September 15 in the North Arabian Sea.
- Location
- Approximately 220 kilometres east of Oman, in international waters.
- Reported outcome
- No casualties or major structural damage were reported.
- India’s response
- New Delhi summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires and issued a formal demarche.
- 2011 comparison
- INS Godavari and PNS Babur came into contact during anti-piracy operations after MV Suez was released.
- Safety rule
- Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement requires naval vessels to maintain a minimum distance of three nautical miles.
- 2011 dispute
- India released video alleging a dangerous approach, while Pakistan alleged that the Indian ship obstructed a humanitarian rescue mission.