Sir Creek Dispute: Why India and Pakistan Remain Deadlocked

Sir Creek Dispute: Why India and Pakistan Remain Deadlocked
Sir Creek, a 96-km marshy strip between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan), remains disputed due to strategic, economic, and legal reasons.
Strategically, it’s close to Karachi, making it militarily sensitive. Both countries patrol the area to prevent infiltration and assert control.
Economically, Sir Creek affects maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)—key for access to fishing zones and potential oil and gas resources.
Legally, India cites the thalweg principle (mid-channel boundary) arguing the creek is navigable. Pakistan disputes this, claiming the creek is not navigable, thus asserting its claim over the entire area.
Repeated bilateral talks have failed due to distrust, terror-related tensions, and refusal of third-party mediation.
Both sides fear losing strategic or economic advantage, keeping the issue unresolved despite technical surveys and diplomatic discussions.
The dispute continues due to overlapping claims, political tensions, and lack of mutual compromise.