Why Rajnath Singh Warned Pakistan: The Sir Creek Flashpoint That Could Change History
What Is Sir Creek and Why It Matters
Sir Creek is a 96-km-long tidal estuary nestled between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan). At first glance, it’s just a muddy, marshy strip of land. But beneath its quiet surface lies a decades-old dispute that could reshape maritime boundaries and unlock access to valuable oil and gas reserves.
This narrow waterway flows into the Arabian Sea and marks a sensitive stretch of the India-Pakistan border. Though uninhabited, it’s far from insignificant.
The Core of the Dispute: Who Owns Sir Creek?
The disagreement dates back to 1947, when India and Pakistan were carved out of British India. While Gujarat remained with India, Sindh joined Pakistan. The confusion began with a 1914 resolution that placed the boundary on the eastern bank of Sir Creek—Pakistan’s claim. But India counters this with the thalweg principle, which says the boundary should run through the middle of the navigable channel.
India also cites a 1925 map and mid-channel pillars to support its stance. Pakistan argues that the thalweg applies only to rivers, not tidal estuaries. This technical tug-of-war has kept the issue unresolved for over 78 years.
Strategic and Economic Stakes
While Sir Creek may not hold much military value, it’s economically and strategically vital:
- Oil & Gas Reserves: Control over the creek could unlock access to untapped energy resources.
- Maritime Boundaries: The dispute affects how Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and continental shelves are drawn in the Arabian Sea.
- Fishing Rights: Local fishers often cross into each other’s waters unknowingly, leading to arrests and long detentions.
- Environmental Concerns: Pakistan’s LBOD canal discharges saline and industrial water into Sir Creek, which India sees as a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
These factors make Sir Creek more than just a border—it’s a gateway to economic opportunity and regional influence.
Rajnath Singh’s Warning: What Sparked It?
On Dussehra 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan. Speaking in Bhuj, Gujarat, he said:
“Any misadventure by Pakistan in the Sir Creek sector will invite a decisive response that could change both history and geography.”
He reminded Pakistan of the 1965 war, when Indian forces reached Lahore, and added:
“Today, Pakistan must remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek.”
Singh’s remarks came after reports of Pakistan expanding its military infrastructure near Sir Creek. This includes:
- New Creek Battalions
- Coastal defence boats
- Marine assault crafts
- Surveillance aircraft and missile systems
India, too, has ramped up its vigilance. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks—traced back to this region—India’s Border Security Force (BSF) began regular patrols. In 2018, several suspicious boats were seized. In 2019, abandoned boats triggered a terror alert.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Tactical Response
Singh also referenced Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 after a terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation targeted terrorist camps inside Pakistan-controlled territory. It lasted four days and ended with both sides agreeing to halt military action.
During this operation, Pakistan attempted to breach India’s defences from Leh to Sir Creek. But Indian forces retaliated swiftly, exposing Pakistan’s air defence vulnerabilities and sending a clear message:
“India can inflict heavy damage at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.”
India’s Position: Dialogue with Defence
India has made repeated efforts to resolve the Sir Creek issue through dialogue. However, Pakistan’s continued military build-up and unclear intentions have raised red flags. Singh emphasized that India’s armed forces are fully prepared to defend the border and respond to any provocation.
🔗 External Resources
- India Today’s full coverage on Sir Creek dispute
- New Indian Express report on Rajnath Singh’s warning
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