What is the India-Pakistan conflict at sea about?
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Maritime security and bilateral protocols: a key GS2 International Relations and maritime domain awareness topic.
Why in news
India accused Pakistan of violating the 1991 maritime agreement after the Indian warship INS Kolkata and the Pakistani vessel PNS Hunain collided in the North Arabian Sea.
Background
The collision occurred on September 15 in the North Arabian Sea. India cited a violation of Article 10 of the 1991 agreement, which mandates a three-nautical-mile separation between naval vessels.
Facts for Prelims
- FactINS Kolkata: Lead ship of Project 15A Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers, commissioned in August 2014.
- FactINS Kolkata: 164-metre-long warship with a full-load displacement of about 7,400 tonnes.
- FactPNS Hunain (F-273): Offshore patrol vessel (OPV) commissioned in July 2024, built by Damen Shipyards in Romania.
- Fact1991 India-Pakistan Agreement: Article 10 requires naval vessels to maintain a separation of three nautical miles.
- FactBrahMos: Principal anti-surface strike weapon carried by INS Kolkata.
Prelims practice question
According to the 1991 India-Pakistan maritime agreement, what is the required separation distance between naval vessels?
- (a)Five nautical miles
- (b)Ten nautical miles
- (c)Three nautical miles
- (d)One nautical mile
Show answer
Answer: (c) Three nautical miles — Article 10 of the 1991 agreement mandates a three-nautical-mile separation between naval vessels.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of maritime boundary agreements and naval protocols in maintaining regional stability in the North Arabian Sea.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime Protocol Enforcement: Challenges in monitoring and enforcing the three-nautical-mile separation rule in contested waters.
- Naval Modernization: Impact of high-speed, multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels on regional maritime surveillance and security dynamics.
Keywords: Maritime Security · Bilateral Relations · Naval Diplomacy · North Arabian Sea · Maritime Domain Awareness
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.