Why in the news?

  • Sir Creek witnesses aggression by Pakistan forces due to military buildup.

Sir Creek

  • Location: Sir Creek is a 96-km long, tidal estuary situated in the marshlands of the Rann of Kutch, between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan).
  • Strategic Importance
    • Maritime Boundary: The land boundary here determines the maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Arabian Sea.
    • Natural Resources:
      • Rich fishing grounds (prawns, fish species).
      • Potential hydrocarbon deposits in adjoining offshore areas.
    • Security Concerns: Area prone to smuggling, infiltration, and piracy.
    • Naval Strategy: Determines sea lanes and EEZ control in northern Arabian Sea.
  • Core Issues
    • India’s Stand: Boundary should run through the mid-channel of Sir Creek (thalweg principle).
    • Pakistan’s Stand: Boundary lies along the eastern bank of the creek (based on 1914 & 1925 maps/resolutions).
  • Attempts at Resolution
    • 1965 Rann of Kutch Tribunal: Settled some boundary disputes, but not Sir Creek.
    • Joint Survey (2007): India & Pakistan agreed on hydrographic survey but failed to agree on interpretation.
    • Sir Creek featured in Composite Dialogue Process (1998 onwards).
    • Post-2008 Mumbai attacks, talks stalled; revived occasionally but with little progress.

 

 

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