| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sir Creek is a 96-km tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch, between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan), flowing into the Arabian Sea. |
| Strategic Importance | - Security & military access <br> - Fishing rights for coastal communities <br> - Oil & gas exploration potential <br> - Determines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries. |
| Core Dispute | Conflict over interpretation of the 1914 Bombay Government Resolution: <br> - Pakistan claims the eastern bank as boundary. <br> - India insists on the thalweg principle (mid-channel of navigable waters). |
| Legal Basis | - Pakistan argues Sir Creek is non-navigable, rejecting thalweg. <br> - India counters it is navigable at high tide, justifying EEZ claims under international maritime law. |
| Military Significance | Proximity to the international border makes it sensitive; patrolled by Indian Navy & Coast Guard, with Pakistani forces on the other side. |
| Economic Impact | Control affects EEZ claims, influencing underwater oil, gas, and fishing rights over thousands of sq km. |
| Diplomatic Status | Discussed in composite dialogues & Track-II diplomacy, but unresolved due to mutual distrust. |
| Recent Development | In October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of a "decisive response" to any Pakistani aggression, signaling a hardened security stance. |
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