Sir Creek, a 96-km tidal estuary, is the southernmost border between India and Pakistan. This sector is the only area outside Jammu and Kashmir where the two countries have a territorial dispute.India says the demarcation line should run through the middle of the water body, as is international convention; Pakistan claims the entire creek, asserting the eastern bank as the boundary.The difference is crucial because, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the land boundary terminus at Sir Creek determines the starting point of each country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Even a small shift can translate into thousands of square kilometres of maritime territory.In October last year, months after renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan, Pakistan’s navy chief visited Sir Creek and inducted three hovercraft into the region. India and Pakistan have held many rounds of talks on the issue without progress.Pakistan has built new military infrastructure on the western bank. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited in early October and warned Pakistan against any misadventure after a Pakistani buildup was observed; he said, “The road to Karachi goes through Sir Creek.”The creek area is rich in fisheries, and maritime law-enforcement agencies on both sides regularly arrest fishermen for alleged crossings of the maritime boundary.India has responded by strengthening its presence.The Army and Navy have issued a Request for Proposal to acquire amphibious combat boats designed for patrols in the creek’s shallow, marshy waters. These boats—capable of carrying 1,500 kg—will improve surveillance and mobility, help counter infiltration, and monitor Pakistani activity more effectively. Procured under the ‘Buy Indian’ category, the vessels will provide a rapid-response capability and allow Indian forces to demonstrate a stronger presence in this sensitive sector, where local geography hinders conventional patrols.
