India Avoids Maritime Dispute with Pakistan

UPSC Relevance

• GS-2: International Relations (India-Pakistan maritime boundary, UNCLOS)
• GS-3: Geography (continental shelf, maritime zones)

Key Points

• India expanded its continental shelf claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 sq km, modifying an earlier claim to avoid conflict with Pakistan over Sir Creek.
• Coastal nations have Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles, granting exclusive fishing and mining rights.
• India’s 2009 claim to the UN’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) was rejected in 2023 after Pakistan’s objection.
• The modified claim aligns with international maritime principles to bypass the dispute.

Detailed Insights

• Sir Creek, a 96-km tidal estuary between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan), is central to the dispute.
• India advocates applying the Thalweg Principle (boundary in the middle of a navigable channel), but Pakistan argues Sir Creek is non-navigable.
• The CLCS, based at UN Headquarters, facilitates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for defining continental shelf limits beyond 200 nautical miles, with binding recommendations.

Significance

• India’s strategic modification avoids escalating tensions with Pakistan.
• Enhances India’s maritime resource rights while adhering to international law.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Diplomatic engagement is needed to resolve the Sir Creek dispute.
• Strengthening India’s maritime policy framework will secure its EEZ and continental shelf rights.