India-Pakistan ships collide in international waters, Ministry of External Affairs cites 1991 agreement

A collision between Indian and Pakistani vessels has been reported in international waters, sparking discussions regarding maritime safety and protocols between the two nations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has officially responded to the incident, describing it as a serious matter.

According to the ministry, the event constitutes a violation of a significant agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1991. Specifically, India has cited Article 10 of this agreement to register its objection. This article defines the rules governing the operation and safety of ships from both countries.

As reported by BBC News Hindi, the ministry clarified that adherence to the rules set forth in the agreement is mandatory for both sides. Such collisions not only pose a threat to maritime safety but also present a challenge to bilateral relations.

Under Article 10, both nations are required to exercise restraint and follow safety protocols when interacting with each other's vessels in international waters. India has characterized this incident as a direct breach of these agreed-upon terms.

Currently, no detailed official response has been issued by Pakistan regarding the matter. Guidelines for the movement of ships in international waters have been established previously to prevent such occurrences.

This incident underscores the importance of security along maritime boundaries. Experts suggest that utilizing diplomatic channels and strictly observing the terms of the agreement remains the only path to resolving such disputes.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the situation. There is an emphasis on the need for communication and coordination between the two countries to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.