The Pakistani warship that triggered a diplomatic squabble between India and Pakistan ahead of the foreign secretary level talks is a ‘history-sheeter’ that came dangerously close to Indian warships in the Arabian Sea thrice in the past eight months and even tried to disrupt war games being conducted by the Indian Navy in international waters.
Details have now emerged that show that the PNS Babur has a history of aggressive behaviour at sea and last Thursday’s incident when it brushed past the INS Godavari while escorting the MV Suez is the third time that it has deliberately taunted Indian warships. It is also speculated that all three incidents are related to the Captain of the Pakistani warship, Azhar Naeem, who spent three years in the ISI before taking charge of the ship recently.
Source said that the first incident was recorded in November last year when Indian warships were taking part in the Defence of Gujarat Exercise. The Babur came dangerously close and attempted to disrupt the war game.
The action was repeated in January when it attempted to interfere in war games in the Arabian Sea.
In both cases, the Babur breached the three mile distance that is followed by warships of both countries as part of CBMs. Sources said the Indian Navy lodged a complaint in both cases.