India-Pakistan Naval Collision in the North Arabian Sea

A diplomatic and maritime dispute erupted after the Pakistani offshore patrol vessel PNS Hunain collided with the Indian guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata in the North Arabian Sea.

The Vessels Involved

INS Kolkata (India):

  • Lead ship of India's Project 15A Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyers
  • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
  • Displaces 7,400 tonnes
  • Equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and advanced anti-submarine capabilities

PNS Hunain (Pakistan):

  • An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) commissioned in July 2024
  • Built in Romania
  • Designed primarily for maritime security and electronic warfare

Key Bilateral Agreement Violated

India alleged a violation of Article 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan Agreement on Advance Notice of Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements. This provision mandates that naval ships from both nations maintain a separation of three nautical miles (approx. 5.6 km) in international waters to avoid accidents.

Violation of COLREGs

India also stated that the Pakistani vessel violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs):

  • Adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • Serve as the universal "rules of the road" for preventing collisions on the high seas and other connected navigable waters

Historical Precedent

In 2011, a similar collision occurred between the Pakistani warship PNS Babur and the Indian frigate INS Godavari in the Gulf of Aden.

Arabian Sea: Strategic Geography

The Arabian Sea is the northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean:

  • Area: ~3.86 million sq. km
  • Average depth: 2,734 metres

Boundaries:

  • East: India
  • North: Pakistan & Iran
  • West: Arabian Peninsula
  • South: Indian Ocean

Significant Islands:

  • Socotra (administered by Yemen)
  • Kuria Muria Islands (Oman)
  • Lakshadweep Union Territory (India) — a cluster of coral atolls comprising the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi islands

Critical Maritime Chokepoints:

  • Northwest Connection: Links to the Persian Gulf via the Gulf of Oman through the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz
  • Western Connection: Links to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Strategic Ports & Geopolitics:

  • Gwadar Port (Pakistan/CPEC)
  • Chabahar Port (Iran/INSTC)

Primary Drainage Systems:

  • The sea receives massive freshwater and sediment discharge primarily from the Indus River in the north and the Narmada River from the Indian subcontinent.

Significance for India

  • The incident underscores the fragility of maritime confidence-building measures (CBMs) between India and Pakistan
  • Highlights the importance of COLREGs and bilateral naval agreements in preventing escalation at sea
  • Reinforces the strategic importance of the Arabian Sea for India's maritime security, energy imports, and trade routes
  • Connects to India's broader maritime posture as reflected in the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025