India and Pakistan Schedule Concurrent Naval Exercises in Arabian Sea Amid Tensions
India and Pakistan are preparing to carry out consecutive naval firing exercises in the Arabian Sea on August 11 and 12, with the drills occurring just 60 nautical miles apart. This unusual overlap comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
India's exercises are scheduled to take place off the coast of Gujarat, while Pakistan will conduct its operations near its maritime boundary. Typically, both countries coordinate to prevent such close proximity, but on this occasion, the timing coincides. Analysts suggest this could pose challenges to maritime safety, particularly with civilian shipping in the vicinity.
Geo-intelligence analyst Damien Symon notes that satellite mapping indicates the zones are very close, which could increase the risk of operational errors. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has reported a 15% increase in military activity near the Indo-Pakistani maritime boundary since 2020.
Though simultaneous naval exercises are not uncommon worldwide, the timing and proximity of these drills have triggered concern among defence experts.
International maritime and security agencies are monitoring the situation closely, given the Arabian Sea's significance as a critical trade and energy route.
