ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy detected and tracked an Indian Navy maritime reconnaissance aircraft as tensions between Pakistan and India remain high following the April 22 attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to security sources, the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft was detected by Pakistan Navy surveillance systems on the night of May 4 and 5.
The Indian aircraft was tracked continuously, with the Pakistan Navy maintaining vigilant monitoring throughout the incident.
The exact location of the incident was not disclosed by Pakistan, however, a video shows the recently inducted Indian maritime reconnaissance aircraft of US origin being tracked by Pakistan Navy.
“Pakistan Navy is always alert and ready to defend the motherland. Any aggression will be met with an effective response,” a security source said.
The tracking of the aircraft comes amid heightened military posturing by both countries following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists were killed.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the incident without presenting any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the incident and strongly rejected the allegations.
Indian Navy Aircraft P8I under Vigilant Watch of Pakistan Navy – Night of 4/5 May 25#MaritimeSecurity#PakistanNavy#PakNavy#EverVigilant#NationalSecurity#MaritimePatrol#PakistanDefence pic.twitter.com/OkWs5aM19F
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) May 5, 2025
Pakistan has called for a neutral, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident. However, India has yet to respond to Pakistan’s offer.
Earlier on April 23, the Pakistan Navy’s vigilant operations reportedly forced an Indian aircraft carrier to retreat from near Pakistani waters.
According to security sources, India had deployed its aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to the northern Arabian Sea on April 23.
However, following persistent and effective patrolling by the Pakistan Navy, the Indian vessel was forced to retreat.
Satellite images confirm that the INS Vikrant returned to the Indian port of Karwar after spending a few days at sea.
The deployment and subsequent withdrawal highlight the growing military posturing in the region amid fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Neither Pakistan nor India has officially commented on the reported movement of the aircraft carrier.
