Pakistan issues new naval alert near Sir Creek as India begins Trishul exercises

Pakistan Navy issues NAVAREA warning for live firing near Sir Creek between Nov 2-5 as India commences its Trishul tri-service drills; Islamabad says measures are precautionary and aimed at maritime safety.

KARACHI — November 1, 2025

Pakistan has issued a fresh NAVAREA navigational warning announcing live-weapon firing and naval manoeuvres in the Arabian Sea close to the disputed Sir Creek region, the Pakistan Navy’s hydrography bulletin shows. The warning, in effect for November 2–5, cautions commercial and civilian vessels to steer clear of the designated firing zone while exercises are underway. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

Officials said the designated danger area spans roughly 135 kilometres and that the notice is part of routine maritime safety procedures used to protect non military traffic during live firing events. Defence sources also indicate that the drills may include missile firings and trials of upgraded submarine launched torpedoes, underscoring the operational scope of the planned activities. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

Context: why the timing matters

The new NAVAREA warning coincides with India’s Exercise Trishul, a major tri-service combat drill launched along India’s western frontier. Trishul involves coordinated Army, Navy and Air Force operations across land and sea including amphibious manoeuvres and air strikes and has drawn a large Indian force deployment. Islamabad says its heightened maritime precautions reflect a need to ensure safety and readiness in Pakistan’s coastal areas while a neighbour conducts large scale drills nearby. The Economic Times+1

Indian reporting on Trishul highlights the exercise’s scale with dozens of warships, frontline combat aircraft, amphibious operations and tens of thousands of personnel involved making it one of New Delhi’s most significant wargames since Operation Sindoor. Pakistan’s maritime notices, officials explained, are defensive and navigationally focused, not intended as escalation. The Economic Times+1

Islamabad’s position: precaution, sovereignty and maritime safety

Pakistani officials briefed on the operation emphasised three points:

1. Precautionary safety: The NAVAREA warning is primarily a maritime safety measure to protect merchant, fishing and civilian traffic from the risks posed by live-weapon firing. The Pakistan Navy publishes such warnings in accordance with international hydrographic practices. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk
2. Sovereign waters: Pakistan retains the right to conduct legitimate training and testing within its claimed maritime zones and to notify mariners in advance. The Sir Creek area has long been a sensitive and disputed stretch of waters between the two countries, and both sides regularly monitor activity there. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk+1
3. No desire to escalate: Government sources stressed that the move should not be read as an attempt to provoke; rather, it is part of routine preparedness and shows Pakistan’s capability to secure its maritime approaches. Official statements reiterated that measures are precautionary and aimed at safeguarding lives and shipping. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

Regional implications

Analysts say the near simultaneous timing of large scale exercises on both sides India’s Trishul and Pakistan’s live firing notices reflects the entrenched pattern of mutual watchfulness across the maritime boundary. While both governments publicly describe their drills as routine, the proximity of the firing zone to India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Sir Creek area makes the developments strategically notable. Maritime traffic insurers and commercial shippers operating in the Arabian Sea will likely follow notices closely and reroute as needed until the exercise window closes. The Economic Times+1

Safety advisory for mariners and air operators

The Pakistan Navy’s hydrographic office and civil aviation authorities have already published corresponding NOTAMs and NAVAREA bulletins for November, covering various airspace and maritime restrictions throughout the month. Mariners transiting the western Arabian Sea and coastal shipping operators have been urged to consult the latest NAVAREA publications and to maintain radio watch on the prescribed safety frequencies. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk

What to watch next

• Whether additional NAVAREA updates extend the restricted area or adjust timings. hydrography.paknavy.gov.pk
• Any formal diplomatic exchanges or demarches between Islamabad and New Delhi if either side believes the other’s drills risk maritime safety. The Times of India
• Reports from independent shipping agencies and AIS (Automatic Identification System) data for how commercial traffic adapts during the drill window.