India-Pakistan: Pakistan maintains naval presence in the Arabian Sea


Pakistan has recently accused the Indian Navy of sending submarines close to its coastline, while Indian top government sources say it is the Pakistan Navy that is out at sea, patrolling 50-60 km from its coast.


India Pakistan Pakistan maintains naval presence in the Arabian Sea A picture of an Indian submarine, the INS Kalvari S50 (Picture source : Indian Navy)


Two Pakistani major warships, PNS Shah Jehan and PNS Alamgir, both frigates of different types are out at the moment, along with PNS Larkana, a gunboat. They have been out for the last eight days, sources said. In addition to that, one Pakistan Navy submarine is scheduled to be out too.

Previously, there were reports of two submarines being in the Arabian Sea. Now, there may be just one. Pakistan's naval presence in the Arabian Sea has actually come down, sources said, there was a time recently when there were about 11 vessels on patrol but some of them have returned to port.

Tensions still remain between both countries, on their shared borders, shared airspace but also in and on the seas. Both have deployed part of their fleet, putting it on stand-by, just in case an open armed conflict arises.