Islamabad/New Delhi, Jun 18: Pakistan has alleged that an Indian warship in a dangerous manoeuvre ‘brushed' with its frigate escorting an Egyptian-owned vessel recently freed by Somali pirates, a claim rejected as ‘incorrect' by Indian Navy.
Pakistan lodged a protest with India over the incident, calling it “serious”.
The Indian Navy dismissed the allegation saying the “reports of aggression” are “incorrect and based on misinformation”.
“Reports of aggression by INS Godavari are incorrect and based on misinformation,” a Navy official said in Delhi.
A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said a protest was lodged with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad last night over the “serious incident” that occurred on Thursday.
The Indian Navy warship Godavari “not only hampered humanitarian operations being carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship Babur for (Egyptian) Merchant Vessel (MV) Suez but also undertook dangerous manoeuvres, which resulted in the brushing of the sides” of the two warships, the statement alleged.
“This incident constitutes a serious violation of international regulations pertaining to safe conduct at high seas and of the India-Pakistan Agreement of 1991 on Advance Notice of Military Exercise Manoeuvres and Troop Movements,” it claimed.
“The Indian government has been asked to ensure non-recurrence of such incidents,” the statement said.
PNS Babur is escorting and assisting MV Suez, which was released by Somali pirates earlier this week after over two million dollars were paid as ransom for its 22-member crew, including six Indians and four Pakistanis.
INS Godavari had been dispatched to escort MV Suez to Salalah in Oman but was pulled out after the merchant vessel under a Pakistani national did not respond to its call. PTI
