Sir Creek is a 96 Km tidal estuary in the marshes of the Rann of Kutch, lying between India’s Gujarat and Pakistan’s Sindh.The creek opens into the Arabian Sea and forms part of the contested border between the two nations.

The root of the dispute lies in colonial-era documents and maps. In 1914, a Bombay government resolution stated that the boundary lay east of the creek, giving it to the then-province of Sindh, but another provision in the same document allowed that boundary should follow “mid-channel” under the Thalweg Principle, i.e. the deepest navigable channel. India supports the mid-channel claim, saying the creek is navigable during high tide, Pakistan argues it is non-navigable, so the Thalweg rule doesn’t apply.

Why does the dispute matter? First, it affects the maritime boundary and how far each country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends, meaning control over fishing and undersea resources. Second, it has strategic importance, control over Sir Creek offers influence over waterways leading to Karachi, Pakistan’s key port city. Third, it impacts livelihoods, fishermen from both sides are often arrested for crossing what each considers its territorial water.

The dispute has resisted settlement despite many talks. In recent times, India has accused Pakistan of expanding military installations near the creek. India’s Defence Minister warned that any attempt at aggression in Sir Creek would be met with a “strong response.”

Until both sides agree on how to interpret maps, law, and geography, Sir Creek is likely to remain a contentious frontier, small in area but heavy in stakes.