Pakistan claims foiling intrusion attempt by Indian submarine
Islamabad, Oct 19 (EFE).- Pakistan Navy said Tuesday it detected and foiled an attempt by an Indian submarine to intrude into Pakistani waters on Oct. 16, marking the third such alleged attempt in recent years.
“Pakistan Navy with its unremitting vigilance and professional competence has once again detected and blocked the Indian submarine,” a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the armed forces, said.
According to the statement, this was the third incident in recent years when an Indian submarine was detected and its attempt to enter Pakistani waters was thwarted by the Pakistan navy.
“It is the third incident of its kind wherein, an Indian Naval Submarine has been prematurely detected and tracked by PN Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft,” the statement added.
According to an earlier statement by the ISPR, Pakistan Navy detected “one of the latest submarines of Indian Navy” and stopped it from entering Pakistani maritime zone on Mar.4, 2019.
Even earlier, an Indian submarine was allegedly detected south of Pakistani coast on Nov.14, 2016.
The Pakistan navy at the time said it did not target the Indian vessel to maintain peace.
“In order to maintain peace, the Indian submarine was not targeted which is a reflection of Pakistan’s desire for peace,” a statement by navy said, adding that “learning a lesson from this incident, India too should show its inclination towards peace.”
ISPR said that amid the prevailing security situation, a strict monitoring watch has been kept by the Pakistan Navy to safeguard the country’s maritime borders.
The latest incident comes as tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbors remain high following India’s move to abrogate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir – its only Muslim-majority state that is disputed with Pakistan – on Aug.5, 2019.
Following the development, both countries downgraded their diplomatic relations, with Pakistan expelling the Indian High Commissioner and recalling its own, while also suspending bilateral trade. EFE
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