What's happening at Sir Creek? Decades-long dispute between India-Pakistan explained
What's the story
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan on Thursday against any aggression toward the Sir Creek region. He said the response to any misadventure by Pakistan would be so strong it could "change both history and geography." "India has made several attempts to resolve the issue...but there is a flaw in Pakistan's intentions; its intentions are unclear. The way in which the Pakistan army recently expanded its military infrastructure in areas adjacent to Sir Creek reveals its intentions," he said.
Dispute
A 96-km tidal estuary along India-Pakistan border
The Sir Creek, a 96-km tidal estuary along the India-Pakistan border, has been a contentious issue between the two nations for decades. The creek separates India's Gujarat state from Pakistan's Sindh province and flows into the Arabian Sea. The dispute is primarily over demarcating maritime boundaries after the 1947 Partition of British India.
Boundary conflict
What is the Sir Creek dispute?
After the Partition in 1947, Sindh became part of Pakistan, while Gujarat remained with India. An international tribunal settled most of the Rann of Kutch border issue in 1968, but Sir Creek remains unresolved despite several rounds of talks. Pakistan claims the entire creek belongs to Sindh, citing a 1914 resolution that placed the boundary on the eastern bank. India argues this same resolution invoked the thalweg principle, placing the boundary in the middle of the navigable channel.
Claim dispute
Pakistan vs India's claims
India also references a 1925 map and mid-channel pillars to support its case; however, Pakistan claims that the thalweg only applies to rivers and not tidal estuaries like Sir Creek. The disagreement also involves changes in the creek's flow over time, which would have an impact on both countries' land-sea boundaries and maritime zones. As a result, the problem remains unsolved, with neither side prepared to give any ground.
Economic stakes
Why is Sir Creek important?
Sir Creek may not have military value but it is economically important due to possible oil and gas reserves. The delimitation of maritime boundaries, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and continental shelves is affected by control over this region. Local fishers often cross into each other's waters unknowingly, leading to arrests, impacting their livelihoods despite international law calling for minimal penalties.
Military buildup
Military buildup on either side
Since 2019, Pakistan has ramped up its military presence in Sir Creek with new Creek Battalions, coastal defense boats, and marine assault crafts. Plans for more naval ships and posts have also been announced along with strengthened air defense systems. India has matched this buildup due to security concerns after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.