{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Pakistani Navy Begins Missile and Torpedo Drills in Northern Arabian Sea Days After Warship Scrape",
  "summary": "Following a high-seas collision between rival naval vessels, Pakistan launched a ten-day live-fire military exercise spanning 420 kilometres in the northern Arabian Sea.",
  "content": "Diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Islamabad escalated further as Pakistani naval forces initiated extensive live weapon trials across the northern Arabian Sea. The ten-day exercise involves firing surface and sub-surface munitions across an expanse stretching 420 kilometres. The military drill, scheduled from September 18 to September 28, is unfolding in the exact maritime corridor where frontline warships of the two nations collided just days earlier.\n\nExtensive Maritime Zones Cordoned Off for Live Trials\nOfficial navigational warnings issued on September 18 by the National Hydrographic Office delineated three dedicated maritime sectors in the northern Arabian Sea. Commercial shipping and civilian vessels have been cautioned to avoid these coordinates while warships conduct high-intensity live-firing manoeuvres. The timing of the exercise is notable because both capitals remain locked in intense diplomatic arguments regarding naval conduct in international waters. Open-source maritime analyst Damien Symon highlighted details of the firing notifications publicly through social media posts.\n\n \n\nThe September 15 Collision and Diplomatic Protests\nThe current confrontation stems from an incident on September 15 involving Indian guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata and Pakistani vessel PNS Hunain. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi stated that INS Kolkata was carrying out a routine surveillance deployment when PNS Hunain approached at high speed, attempting a hazardous overtaking manoeuvre that led directly to a physical scraping between the hulls. Indian authorities formally denounced the manoeuvre as reckless and unprofessional, lodging a stern protest after summoning a Pakistani diplomat.\n\nNew Delhi emphasized that the Pakistani vessel breached Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement between the two neighbours. This clause mandates that warships from both sides maintain a minimum separation of 3 nautical miles, equivalent to roughly 5.6 kilometres, when operating in international waters. Indian officials confirmed that INS Kolkata suffered no significant damage and continued its assigned operational mission, whereas PNS Hunain sustained structural impact that forced it to abandon the waters and head back to port.\n\nIslamabad Accusations and the SEASPARK-26 Context\nIn contrast, Pakistani authorities rejected New Delhi's account, claiming instead that the Indian destroyer engaged in provocative steering maneuvers. Islamabad asserted that the encounter took place within its Exclusive Economic Zone during its scheduled SEASPARK-26 naval exercise. Initiating fresh live-fire artillery and torpedo drills over an identical maritime zone between September 18 and September 28 underscores persistent posturing in the contested northern reaches of the Arabian Sea.\n\nWhat this means for you\nHeightened naval friction and live-fire drills in the northern Arabian Sea require maritime operators and security agencies to exercise extra vigilance.\n\n• Commercial Shipping: Cargo carriers navigating the northern Arabian Sea must steer clear of the three designated warning sectors. Rerouting during the September 18 to 28 window could result in minor travel delays.\n• Coastal Security: Indian maritime agencies have stepped up vigil along key sea lines of communication following the high-seas confrontation. Patrol assets remain on standby to prevent any unexpected escalation near sovereign waters.\n• Fishermen Safety: Deep-sea fishing vessels operating near northern zones are advised to stay clear of the designated 420-kilometre military corridor. Coastal authorities emphasize strict adherence to navigational advisories.\n• Diplomatic Ties: The friction over the 1991 naval treaty breach is likely to intensify bilateral tension through formal channels. Diplomatic exchanges are expected to focus heavily on navigational protocol compliance.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe sudden escalation was triggered by a close-quarters collision between naval vessels followed by military posturing in shared international waters.\n\n• Mid-Sea Collision: Indian officials reported that PNS Hunain steered perilously close to INS Kolkata during an erratic overtaking attempt, resulting in hull contact. New Delhi condemned the incident as unprofessional seamanship.\n• Breach of 1991 Treaty: Under Article 10 of a 1991 bilateral pact, warships of both nations must maintain at least 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) of buffer distance. Indian authorities maintain this critical protocol was disregarded by the Pakistani crew.\n• Show of Strength: Soon after the collision, Pakistan scheduled a ten-day live weapon drill from September 18 to 28 across a 420-kilometre radius. Islamabad cited its ongoing SEASPARK-26 exercises as the broader context.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which naval vessels were involved in the Arabian Sea collision?\nThe incident involved the Indian Navy's INS Kolkata and the Pakistani Navy's PNS Hunain.\n\n2. When did the collision take place?\nThe collision occurred on September 15 in the northern Arabian Sea.\n\n3. What is the timeframe for Pakistan's live-fire naval drill?\nThe live weapon exercise is scheduled from September 18 to September 28.\n\n4. How large is the exercise area designated by Pakistan?\nThe live-firing zone spans across an area of approximately 420 kilometres.\n\n5. What rule of the 1991 bilateral pact was allegedly violated?\nArticle 10 mandates that warships from both countries maintain a minimum distance of 3 nautical miles (around 5.6 km).\n\n6. What was the operational status of the warships following the scrape?\nINS Kolkata remained on active deployment with no major damage, while PNS Hunain suffered damage and had to return to port.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/pakistan/uttari-araba-sagara-men-jahajon-ki-bhirnta-ke-turnta-bada-pakistan-navy-ne-shuru-kiya-misaila-va-topa-abhyasa-35699",
  "category": "Pakistan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-21",
  "tags": [
    "Indian Navy",
    "Pakistan Navy",
    "INS Kolkata",
    "PNS Hunain",
    "Arabian Sea",
    "Naval Exercise"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}