By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly protested the violation of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata, the Foreign Office said.
The Foreign Office said the Indian warship carried out provocative and irresponsible activities in Pakistan’s maritime limits.
According to the Foreign Office, the activities of the Indian warship were a clear violation of the bilateral agreement. The Pakistan Navy has been conducting Sea Spark 26 exercises in Pakistan’s EEZ since September 1.
The Foreign Office said the Indian warship and the helicopter deployed on it had been attempting to enter the area of the Pakistan Navy exercises since September 7.
It said INS Kolkata carried out dangerous and provocative manoeuvres near Pakistan Navy vessels. Despite multiple warnings, the Indian warship continued its irresponsible actions.
According to the Foreign Office, these Indian actions were not a routine deployment but a violation of the 1991 bilateral agreement.
The Foreign Office said that on September 15, INS Kolkata made a dangerous change of course and collided with PNS Hunain. Despite an attempt by PNS Hunain to avoid the collision, contact with the Indian vessel occurred.
After the incident, INS Kolkata increased its speed and fled the area, the Foreign Office said.
Pakistan described the Indian warship’s action as highly provocative and said it could have created a serious crisis.
The Foreign Office said the professional and responsible conduct of the Pakistan Navy prevented the situation from escalating further.
Pakistan views the Indian Navy’s violations with serious concern, the Foreign Office said, adding that India was attempting to distort facts and escalate the matter at the diplomatic level. The Foreign Office said India’s actions reflected a deliberate attempt to affect regional peace.
Pakistan called on India to comply with bilateral agreements and act responsibly. It also urged Indian authorities to take immediate measures to prevent such incidents from being repeated.
The Foreign Office made it clear that Pakistan’s current level of restraint should not be taken for granted in the face of future Indian provocations.
