WATCH: Pakistan Navy shares footage of Indian P-8I spy plane detected near sea frontier

The Pakistan Navy detected and continuously monitored an Indian P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft as it neared Pakistan’s maritime boundaries during the night between May 4 and 5, official sources confirmed on Tuesday.

The aircraft was observed throughout its flight path, underscoring the Navy’s operational vigilance and technical preparedness.

According to officials, the swift detection demonstrates the force’s advanced surveillance capabilities and firm resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s maritime interests.

“Pakistan Navy remains fully prepared to counter any hostile action with full force and efficiency,” the source said, reiterating the Navy’s 24/7 readiness to defend national sea frontiers against external threats.

The Indian P-8I aircraft is used for long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine operations. It has previously been spotted near sensitive regions in the Arabian Sea amid heightened regional tensions.

Tensions between India and Pakistan reached new heights following a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, when 26 men were killed at a tourist site in Pahalgam, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India swiftly blamed Pakistani elements for the attack, but no evidence was presented to support the claim, which Islamabad vehemently denied.

In response to the attack, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved several retaliatory measures on April 23, including the closure of the Wagah-Attari land transit point, a travel advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid Pakistan, a formal notification of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the revocation of multiple categories of visas for Pakistani nationals.

On April 24, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) issued a stern warning, declaring that any attempt by India to block the flow of water into Pakistan would be considered an act of war. The NSC also approved the closure of the Wagah border crossing.

The following day, April 25, the Pakistan Senate unanimously passed a resolution rejecting India’s allegations regarding the Pahalgam attack, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

Tensions further escalated on April 26, when the Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised during a protest by hundreds of pro-India and pro-BJP demonstrators.

The protesters caused property damage, including broken windows and the splashing of saffron paint. Pakistan accused India of encouraging the violence, with Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar condemning the acts as being supported by "Indian state and agencies." British police later arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in the incident.