Sir Creek

• 04 Oct 2025

Source: TH 

India’s Defence Minister has stated that any aggressive action by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area would be responded to firmly, highlighting India’s readiness and vigilance. 

• Sir Creek: It is a 96-kilometre tidal waterway in the marshlands of the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, forming the boundary between India’s Kutch region and Pakistan’s Sindh province, and opening into the Arabian Sea.  
  • Historically known as Ban Ganga, it was renamed “Sir Creek” during the colonial period after a British official. 
• Sir Creek Dispute: The dispute centers on differing interpretations of the maritime boundary. After 1947, Kutch went to India and Sindh to Pakistan.  
  • Pakistan claims the entire Sir Creek under a 1914 resolution. However, India argues that the same resolution also invoked the thalweg principle, which sets the boundary along the middle of the navigable channel. 
    • India further cites a 1925 map and mid-channel pillars to back its position, and maintains the creek is navigable during high tide, so the boundary should follow international norms along the mid-channel. 
  • Pakistan argues that the Thalweg Principle applies only to rivers and contends Sir Creek is non-navigable, so it shouldn’t be applied. 
• Importance of Sir Creek: 
  • Strategic Significance: Sir Creek a sensitive border area where India and Pakistan have historically clashed. Control over the creek impacts maritime security, surveillance, and defense preparedness. 
  • Economic Value: It is one of Asia’s largest fishing grounds, supporting thousands of fishermen. The seabed may also hold potential oil and gas reserves. 
  • Ecological Importance: The creek is an ecologically sensitive area, hosting flamingoes and other migratory birds, making it crucial for biodiversity conservation. 

Read more: Disputed Territories of India