India Protests Pakistan Warship Collision; Ex-Navy Captain Warns of Escalation

On September 16, 2026, India protested a collision involving a Pakistani vessel and an Indian warship, which occurred in disputed waters between the two nations. The incident has reignited tensions over the 1991 maritime agreement, which includes the 3-nautical-mile rule and requirements for advance notice of naval movements. The ex-Navy captain, whose name was not specified, warned that such collisions could escalate into broader conflict, given the proximity of the two countries' territorial waters. The Hindustan Times reported that the collision has prompted India to formally protest Pakistan, emphasizing the need for adherence to the 1991 pact. The article also highlighted the historical context of the agreement, which was designed to prevent accidental clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. No official statements from Pakistan were provided in the sources, though the incident has been widely reported in Indian media as a potential flashpoint for renewed hostilities.