New Delhi: PNS Hunain collision with an Indian Navy vessel has become a major topic of discussion after a Pakistani naval ship reportedly suffered damage during an encounter with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea.
The incident took place in international waters on September 15, 2026. According to reports and official statements from India, the Pakistani vessel PNS Hunain approached an Indian naval ship at high speed, leading to a collision at sea. While the Indian Navy vessel continued its mission without reported damage, PNS Hunain reportedly returned to port after sustaining significant damage.
What Happened In The Arabian Sea
According to Indian officials, the Indian Navy ship was conducting a routine surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea when the incident occurred.
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Reports state that PNS Hunain moved close to the Indian vessel and carried out what Indian authorities described as unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvres. The situation eventually resulted in a collision between the two ships. The incident reportedly occurred around 120 nautical miles from the Gulf of Oman in international waters.
PNS Hunain Collision: Indian Navy’s Response
Indian authorities stated that the crew of the Indian warship acted with restraint and followed professional procedures to avoid a more serious accident.
Officials said no damage was reported on the Indian naval vessel and no casualties were reported. The ship continued its operational deployment after the incident.
PNS Hunain Reportedly Sustained Damage
Multiple reports indicate that PNS Hunain suffered visible structural damage and had to return to harbour after the collision. Some reports suggest that a section of the vessel’s hull was damaged during the impact. However, Pakistan has not publicly released detailed information regarding the extent of the damage.
What Is PNS Hunain?
PNS Hunain (F-273) is a modern offshore patrol vessel of the Pakistan Navy. The ship belongs to the Yarmook-class and was built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards in Romania. It was commissioned into service in 2024 and is designed for maritime security, surveillance, and patrol operations. Key Features Of PNS Hunain:
- Yarmook-class offshore patrol vessel
- Commissioned in 2024
- Built by Damen Shipyards
- Equipped for maritime surveillance missions
- Designed for long-range patrol operations
Diplomatic Fallout After The PNS Hunain Collision
The incident quickly moved beyond the sea and entered diplomatic channels. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires and lodged a formal protest. India described the conduct of the Pakistani naval unit as “unacceptable and unprofessional.” Indian officials also stated that the incident violated provisions of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement designed to prevent dangerous military encounters at sea.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan has disputed India’s account of the incident. According to reports, Pakistan claimed the collision occurred under different circumstances and protested to India through diplomatic channels. The two countries have presented differing versions of what happened.
Why PNS Hunain Collision Matters
Naval vessels from different countries often operate in international waters. To avoid accidents, ships follow internationally accepted navigation rules and confidence-building agreements. When military vessels come too close to one another, the risk of collision increases significantly.
Defence experts note that incidents like this highlight the importance of communication, professionalism, and strict adherence to maritime protocols.
A Reminder Of Earlier Naval Encounters
This is not the first maritime incident involving naval vessels from India and Pakistan. A similar episode occurred in 2011 when Pakistan Navy ship PNS Babur came into contact with Indian frigate INS Godavari during anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
FAQs
Indian officials stated that the Indian Navy vessel did not suffer damage and continued its operational mission after the incident.
PNS Hunain reportedly suffered damage after colliding with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea on September 15, 2026.
India stated that the Pakistani vessel’s actions violated maritime safety norms and provisions of the 1991 bilateral agreement governing military interactions at sea.
