India and Pakistan are set to conduct back-to-back naval firing exercises in the Arabian Sea on August 11–12, in an unusual overlap that places the drills just 60 nautical miles apart. The rare scheduling coincidence comes at a time of elevated geopolitical strain between the two neighbours.
India’s exercises will be held off the coast of Gujarat, while Pakistan’s will take place in waters close to its maritime boundary. Traditionally, both sides coordinate to avoid such proximity, but this time the schedules align — a development analysts say could complicate maritime safety, especially with civilian shipping traffic in the area.
According to geo-intelligence analyst Damien Symon, satellite mapping shows the zones in close quarters, raising the risk of operational miscalculations. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also points to a 15% rise in military activity near the Indo-Pakistani maritime boundary since 2020.
While simultaneous exercises are not unprecedented globally, the timing and proximity of these drills have raised concerns among defence experts.
The situation is being closely watched by international maritime and security agencies, given the Arabian Sea’s importance as a major trade and energy corridor.
