Pakistan’s latest naval encounter in the Arabian Sea has ended with its patrol vessel PNS Hunain returning to harbour after suffering damage in a collision with an Indian Navy warship. The Indian warship didn’t suffer any damage in the collision and remains operational in the Arabian Sea
The incident took place on September 15, 2026, in the North Arabian Sea, around 120–130 nautical miles east of Oman. The Indian warship was reportedly on a routine surveillance mission when PNS Hunain closed in at high speed. Indian officials described the Pakistani vessel’s conduct as “unprofessional and unsafe”, saying it resulted in a minor collision.
The Indian Foreign Ministry said later that Pakistani diplomat Saad Ahmad Warraich was called in to lodge a strong protest over what New Delhi called “unacceptable and unprofessional conduct” of Pakistani naval units in international waters that led to a collision.
According to reports citing Indian findings, the dangerous manoeuvre involved PNS Hunain shadowing the Indian warship, maintaining close proximity and then accelerating before crossing directly in front of the Indian vessel’s bow. The Pakistani ship ignored repeated warnings transmitted over maritime radio before making the high-speed crossing. Such a manoeuvre leaves very little room for a larger vessel to react and can quickly turn a close encounter into a collision.
The reported outcome was particularly damaging for PNS Hunain. While the Indian warship reportedly suffered no significant damage and continued its mission, the Pakistani vessel sustained damage and subsequently headed back towards harbour for repairs.
India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest, accusing Pakistani naval units of violating the 1991 bilateral agreement governing military activities and naval safety. Pakistan, meanwhile, expectedly, has rejected India’s account and accused the Indian warship of provocative manoeuvring.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s one patrol vessel is now docked in the harbour and requires serious repairs for the damage.
