Sir Creek Pact
In the past, India and Pakistan have referred to Sir Creek as “low hanging fruit” for resolution, and the two countries have held 13 rounds of Defense Secretary-level negotiations on the issue, the most recent in June 2012. Apart from Sir creek, Siachen is also a matter dispute like Sir Creek between India and Pakistan.
What is the dispute?
The point of contention is the interpretation of the Kutch-Sindh maritime boundary line. Before India’s independence, the province was part of British India’s Bombay Presidency.
According to articles 9 and 10 of the Bombay Government Resolution of 1914, which was signed between the Government of Sindh and the Rao Maharaj of Kutch at the time, Pakistan claims the entire stream.
The resolution that established the boundaries between the two territories included the creek as part of Sindh, establishing the Green Line as the eastern flank of the creek.
However, India claims that the boundary runs across the middle of the channel, as shown on a map made in 1925 and confirmed by the construction of mid-channel pillars in 1924. It cites the Thalweg Doctrine in International Maritime Law, which stipulates that if the water-body is navigable, the mid-channel can be used to split river boundaries between two states.
Importance of Sir Creek Pact
Sir Creek’s primary value, aside from its strategic location, is its fishing resources. Sir Creek is regarded as one of Asia’s largest fishing grounds.
Another important factor is the potential presence of significant oil and gas reserves beneath the sea, which are currently untapped due to the imminent gridlock on the subject.
About Sir Creek Pact
Sir Creek Pact is a 96-kilometer stretch of water in the Rann of Kutch marshlands that is disputed between India and Pakistan. Sir Creek was formerly known as Ban Ganga and was named after a British representative.
The Creek opens up in the Arabian Sea and roughly divides the Kutch region of Gujarat from the Sindh Province of Pakistan.
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