India has summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in New Delhi to protest a collision between naval ships from both countries in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred in international waters on Tuesday, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

This is the first reported instance of direct military tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors since a significant conflict last year. The two nations have a history of disputes, having fought three major wars, primarily over the disputed region of Kashmir.

New Delhi lodged a formal protest with Pakistan's charge d’affaires, describing the Pakistani navy's conduct as "unacceptable and unprofessional." India stated that the collision violated a 1991 bilateral agreement requiring naval vessels from both countries to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles in international waters.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs conveyed to the Pakistani diplomat the necessity for military units to adhere to existing agreements to prevent future occurrences. India's charge d’affaires in Islamabad was also directed to file a similar protest with Pakistan's foreign ministry.

Pakistan's government has not yet issued an immediate comment on the incident. The diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan have been strained since 2019, when India revoked the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir, leading both countries to downgrade their diplomatic relations. Neither nation has had an ambassador in the other's capital since that time.

The 1991 agreement is designed to reduce the risk of accidental confrontations between the two navies operating in shared maritime spaces. Such incidents, while rare, carry significant implications given the historical animosity and the nuclear capabilities of both nations.

Officials in New Delhi emphasized the importance of respecting bilateral agreements to ensure maritime safety and de-escalate potential tensions. The focus now shifts to Pakistan's response and whether diplomatic channels can effectively address the concerns raised by India.

Naval encounters, though often minor, can quickly escalate in regions with existing geopolitical friction. The adherence to maritime protocols and clear communication are considered vital by international observers for maintaining stability in such sensitive areas.