Protest lodged on incident at sea

(2011-06-17)

A protest was lodged with the Indian government through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on a serious incident on 16 June 2011 in which Indian Navy Ship Godavari not only hampered humanitarian operations being carried out by Pakistan Navy Ship Babur for Merchant Vessel Suez but also undertook dangerous maneuvers, which resulted in the brushing of the sides of INS Godavari and PNS Babur. PNS Babur was escorting and assisting MV Suez which had been released after captivity by Somali pirates.

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 Maneuvers and Troops Movements.

The Indian government has been asked to ensure non-recurrence of such incidents.

Islamabad
17 June 2011

209/2011