Indian and Pakistani naval vessels collide in Arabian Sea

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, two naval vessels from India and Pakistan collided in the international waters off the coast of Oman. According to unconfirmed reports, an unnamed "frontline Indian warship" was hit by a PNS Hunain (Yarmook-class offshore patrol vessel) while on routine surveillance in the north Arabian Sea. The incident has escalated tensions between the two nations, with India accusing Pakistan of "unprofessional and unacceptable conduct," and Pakistan countering that the collision occurred in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Incident Details

The collision reportedly took place approximately 220 km (118 nautical miles) east of the Oman coast. Indian officials stated that their vessel suffered no significant damage and continued on its mission, while Pakistan’s PNS Hunain returned to its homeport after the incident.

Investigations and Protests

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying that Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi had been summoned over the incident. The statement also highlighted that Pakistan’s actions were in direct contravention of Article 10 of the 1991 bilateral agreement, which mandates naval vessels to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles from each other in international waters.

According to Marine Insight, India claims that the Pakistani vessel had executed maneuvers aggressively and unsafely. The report notes that the Indian vessel allegedly continued aggressive maneuvers despite warnings, ultimately resulting in contact with PNS Hunain. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated that its warship attempted to avoid the incident but was unable to do so.

Regional Context

This collision is the first open military tension between India and Pakistan since their four-day conflict in May 2025, raising concerns among analysts about a potential escalation. Both nations have issued strong protests, with Pakistan accusing India of "belligerent action" and India rejecting Pakistan’s claims that the incident occurred within its EEZ.

The collision has occurred at a time when both nations are engaged in maritime exercises: Pakistan was conducting its biennial SEASPARK-26 exercise during the incident, while India continued its routine surveillance operations. The exact identities of the ships involved have been confirmed by both Indian and Pakistani sources, with PNS Hunain being specifically named.

What this means for operators

The heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over maritime incidents underscore the critical need for increased safety measures and adherence to international maritime laws. For ship operators in the region, it is imperative to ensure that navigation practices are professional and compliant with bilateral agreements to avoid similar collisions. Vessels operating in these waters should maintain constant communication with their flag states’ navies and adhere strictly to collision avoidance protocols to mitigate risks.