For decades, Sir Creek, a 96-km tidal estuary between Gujarat and Sindh, received little notice. Today it’s front-page news. India’s Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh has warned Pakistan that any “misadventure” in Sir Creek will result in a response that could rewrite “both history and geography.” Hard to digest? Perhaps, unless you recall that Sir Creek, which was once called Ban Ganga under the Raj, is far more than a strip of mud. Suddenly, the fate of this marsh can sound weighty.
Historical Hangover
India has long attempted to find a fair and transparent solution to the Sir Creek dispute, which is a remnant of colonialism. Although the accompanying agreement clearly defined the boundary as the mid-channel of the creek, which is consistent with international maritime law, the confusion started in 1914 when British-era maps incorrectly depicted the Kutch–Sindh boundary along the eastern bank of Sir Creek.
Although Sindh moved to Pakistan and Kutch became a part of India after Partition, the boundaries remained unclear. About 90% of the Rann of Kutch was given to India by the Indo-Pak tribunal after the 1965 war, tacitly acknowledging India’s historical and administrative claim. However, Sir Creek was left out of the decision, so the matter remained unresolved.
India has continuously shown initiative and transparency by providing technical discussions and joint surveys to draw the border in line with the terms of the 1914 agreement and the country’s natural geography. However, in an attempt to increase the uncertainty, Pakistan has repeatedly put a halt to these efforts.
Today, Sir Creek serves as a reminder of India’s dedication to legal accuracy and amicable resolution rather than its ambiguity. India’s interpretation that the boundary is mid-channel rather than along the eastern bank is largely supported by historical, textual, and geographic evidence. Accordingly, Sir Creek is legitimately Indian territory and represents India’s tolerance and adherence to international standards despite lingering colonial ambiguity.
Why Sir Creek Matters?
Why there is a fuss over a strip of saltwater?
The answer here is very interesting because controlling Sir Creek has economical, strategic and ecological advantages. But most importantly, it is the critical border between India and Pakistan that plays a significant role in national security. With respect to naval operations and infiltration, this zone matters the most. Even the 2008 Mumbai terror attack has links to the Sir Creek. The Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) used Sir Creek to enter India from Karachi. The enemy country can possibly create a terror launchpad by deploying their teams there so this zone becomes of utmost importance for India. But India in her recent statements has made its stance very clear.
As Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh reminded Islamabad, “Today in 2025, Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek.”
Beyond military significance, the seabed beneath Sir Creek is suspected to hold oil and gas deposits that influence maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones. And it’s a fishermen’s paradise, one of Asia’s most productive fishing grounds, supporting thousands of coastal livelihoods. But stray too far, and a fisherman risks arrest by the other side, a humanitarian nightmare. This backwater is indeed a battleground of profit, power, and national pride.
Provocations of Pakistan
Instead of resolving the dispute, Pakistan has been entrenching itself further. Reports suggest about Pakistan’s heavy military activities which includes bunkers, radars, and even an airstrip that has appeared across the marshes. Since 2019, Islamabad has added more “Creek battalions,” increasing the number to six, alongside an arsenal of patrol boats, drones, and air defences. Sir Creek’s survey markers have been subtly replaced with Pakistani outposts.
The Chinese connection makes this buildup even more concerning. In recent years, Pakistan established a tri-service command for Sir Creek with Chinese assistance, deploying radar systems, AWACS aircraft, and surface-to-air missiles sourced from Beijing. Over 80% of Pakistan’s weaponry now originates from China, including long-range missiles and armed drones patrolling its coastal frontier. Analysts argue this alignment effectively turns Sir Creek from a boundary dispute into a strategic outpost for Chinese influence in the Arabian Sea.
Unsurprisingly, Pakistan’s generals have responded to Indian warnings with the usual bluster. The army branded India’s statements as “jingoistic” and even threatened “cataclysmic devastation” if war broke out. One spokesman boasted that Pakistan would “not hold back” from striking “the farthest reaches” of India. But such rhetoric is old theatre. The real concern is Pakistan’s creeping militarisation of a disputed zone, a move that not only defies diplomatic norms but also challenges India’s patience.
Pakistan has also been diverting saline water and industrial waste into Sir Creek through its Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) canal project, damaging farmland and fishing habitats on the Indian side. India has protested this as a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. In short, Pakistan’s “creek grab” now mixes maps, missiles, and mischief, and it’s forcing India to prepare accordingly.
The Humanitarian Toll: Silent Victims of a Tug of War
While the politicians posture, local people pay the price. Sir Creek is a lifeline for fishing communities but unclear borders turn livelihoods into liabilities. Fishermen often drift unknowingly into each other’s waters and end up imprisoned for years, leaving their families in despair.
At the same time, Pakistan’s canal outflows have worsened environmental degradation, salting farmlands, and killing fish. India has repeatedly raised this as an ecological and humanitarian concern, calling for Pakistan to stop dumping waste into the estuary. The loss extends to wildlife as well: the flamingo population that once painted these mudflats pink has dwindled dramatically. Sir Creek’s story isn’t just about borders; it’s about broken ecosystems and forgotten people.
The Indian Response
India’s position is clear: protect our sovereignty, safeguard our citizens, and pursue peace through strength. Rajnath Singh has emphasized that India “remains open to a peaceful resolution” but warned Pakistan against “ill intentions.” At the same time, India has been reinforcing its coastal defences. A new tidal-berthing dock and Joint Command Centre in Gujarat now bolster coordination across the Navy, Coast Guard, and Border Security Force.
The BSF patrols up to the midstream line with amphibious craft and floating outposts, maintaining a vigilant presence even in the most challenging terrain. Diplomatically, India continues to uphold the 1968 tribunal award and the international thalweg principle, rejecting Pakistan’s arbitrary shoreline claim. The message is unambiguous: India will not tolerate unilateral attempts to change the status quo.
As Mr. Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, reminded Pakistan that India had the upper hand even in 1965, reaching Lahore without triggering all-out war. Today, India’s goal remains stability, but on its own terms. The Sir Creek dispute is being met with the same blend of restraint and resolve that defines India’s defence policy: peace, backed by preparedness.
Sir Creek may be muddy, but India’s stance is crystal clear. This isn’t just about a boundary; it’s about upholding international law, defending sovereignty, and protecting livelihoods. Pakistan’s provocations and environmental negligence can no longer be ignored.
India stands for dialogue, not deceit; for peace, not provocation. Yet we won’t let “Ban Ganga” be turned into anyone else’s backyard. The creek may look quiet, but make no mistake, it’s where the tides of history, strategy, and sovereignty meet. And India, as always, will hold its ground.
About the writer:
Aradhana Parry is pursuing an MBA in Communication Management at SIMC Pune, following her BBA in International Business from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce. She specialises in brand communication and content creation, drawing on research and campaign experience to deliver clear, audience-focused marketing solutions
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