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Sir Creek Dispute & recent tensions

Oct 03, 2025

1. The Dispute:

  • Sir Creek is a tidal estuary of 96 km of the Rann of Kutch , which is the maritime boundary dividing Gujarat state, India, and the Sindh region of Pakistan.
  • The main dispute is on the delimitation of the maritime boundary . India is demanding that the boundary be drawn down the mid-channel (Thalweg principle) as in Paragraph 10 of the 1914 resolution . The boundary is further southeast according to the Paragraph 9 , which Pakistan wants to have a larger territory and special rights.

2. Historical & Legal Context:

  • In 1908 the conflict between Kutch and Sindh rulers was born.
  • In 1968, most of its claim was affirmed when an international tribunal ruled in favor of India by awarding it 90 % of the Rann of Kutch . Sir Creek boundary was however not settled.
  • The tribunal award and subsequent negotiation have not been accepted by Pakistan and the issue has not been resolved despite the various rounds of composite dialogues (1997, 2005-2007, 2012).

3. Strategic Economic Significance:

  • It is thought that the area has plenty of oil and gas deposits .
  • The determination of the boundary of the creek is important to define the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf in the Arabian Sea.
  • The security of Karachi , the major port of Pakistan close to the creek, is also affected by the control of the creek.

4. Recent Escalation:

  • Defence minister Rajnath Singh gave a strong warning to Pakistan that any form of provocation might result to great consequences with a mention of Karachi .
  • This is a caution following the latest military preparations by Pakistan at the Sir Creek region with the deployment of new battalions and naval equipment, allegedly with Chinese support.
  • This militarization in the eyes of India is a direct threat and an indication of aggressive Pakistan intentions. The Indian military is already stationed in the area and the government has indicated that it has transitioned to dialogue to a decisive position in case of provocations.

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