India's Naval Rules of Engagement Under Scrutiny After North Arabian Sea Incident

Indian Navy's Rules of Engagement Under Scrutiny After North Arabian Sea Incident\n\n\nThe recent incident involving the Indian warship and the Pakistani naval unit, PNS Hunain, in the North Arabian Sea has sparked a debate about the need for tighter naval Rules of Engagement (ROE) to prevent accidents.\n\nThe incident, which occurred on September 15, has been described by Indian officials as an instance of 'unacceptable and unprofessional conduct' by the Pakistani naval unit.\n\nAccording to Indian officials, PNS Hunain approached an Indian warship at high speed, taking unsafe maneuvers before the collision.\n\nThe Indian Navy has stated that the incident did not cause major damage and that the warship continued on its surveillance mission.\n\nThe incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current ROE in preventing accidents and miscalculations.\n\nArticle 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement stipulates that naval ships and submarines should not come within three nautical miles of each other while operating in international waters.\n\nHowever, the latest incident shows that merely having a separation rule is not enough if a warship approaches rapidly.\n\nThe Indian Navy's operations in the North Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, including surveillance and maritime-security missions, are generating more encounters with foreign naval vessels.\n\nPredictability is crucial for frontline destroyers and frigates, whose encounters with foreign naval vessels must be guided by specific rules of engagement.\n\nROE must also address radar contacts, electronic emissions, aircraft, and unmanned systems operating in the vicinity of the task group.\n\nThe response could be graduated, ranging from enhanced surveillance to formal warnings and defensive measures governed by the circumstances and applicable international law.\n\nThe Hunain incident provides an opportunity to revise existing naval procedures for close encounters, especially the criteria for escalating warnings and defensive postures in the face of an approaching warship.\n\nIn light of the incident, the Indian Navy must review its ROE to ensure that they are effective in preventing accidents and miscalculations.\n\nThis review should consider the need for clear and predictable rules for encounters with foreign naval vessels, as well as the importance of addressing radar contacts, electronic emissions, aircraft, and unmanned systems operating in the vicinity of the task group.\n\nBy revising its ROE, the Indian Navy can reduce the risk of accidents and miscalculations, and ensure the safety of its warships and personnel.\n\nUltimately, the Indian Navy must prioritize the safety of its warships and personnel, and take all necessary steps to prevent accidents and miscalculations in the future.