Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the Diwali festival this year with a special celebration at the disputed Sir Creek area, bringing festive spirit and gratitude to those on the front lines. On Thursday, Modi visited personnel from the Border Security Force, Army, Navy, and Air Force stationed near the Indo-Pak border, making the event not just about celebration but also about honoring the dedication of these forces.
Upon arriving at the Sir Creek area, which stretches across 96 kilometers between the Rann of Kutch and Pakistan, Modi was greeted by soldiers and jawans. It's here, at this disputed territory, where he distributed sweets, embodying the spirit of Diwali, which symbolizes joy, harmony, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Sir Creek features prominent fishing grounds and is also suspected to possess unexplored resources, making it more than just land but part of significant geopolitical conversations between India and Pakistan. The area has been under contention for years due to differing interpretations of maritime boundaries. During the visit, Modi emphasized the importance of the armed forces, stating, "Your presence here not only safeguards our borders but also embodies the spirit of the nation’s unity and resolve.”
This region, named after Sir Creek, who was tied to British colonial interests, poses challenging terrains where extreme heat meets bone-chilling cold. Local officials have described the environment as incredibly harsh, testing those serving there every day.
The historical dispute over Sir Creek can be traced back to the 1914 Bombay government resolution, which attempted to delineate boundaries between the Kutch and Sindh divisions. India and Pakistan have since grappled with varying interpretations of Paragraph 9 of the agreement, which suggests the creek lies predominantly within Pakistan’s jurisdiction.
Both nations have cited maritime principles—most prominently the Thalweg principle, which states boundaries should be determined through the navigable midline of water bodies. India maintains the creek is navigable most of the year, asserting its right to lay claim to resource-rich areas. Pakistan, conversely, asserts the creek lacks navigability, thereby arguing the boundary is positioned differently. This complex back-and-forth has seen numerous disputes and discussions over the years.
Modi’s visit not only highlighted the significance of Sir Creek but also acted as symbolic support for the forces stationed along the sensitive border, especially during the festive season. Such interactions not only boost morale but also demonstrate the government's commitment to current challenges faced by front-line personnel.
Despite the disagreements, recent military drills have taken place within the region, reflecting the continual preparedness of forces on both sides of the border. The talks over Sir Creek, including attempts at arbitration following the 1965 Indo-Pak war, have often stalled, reflecting the depth of contention surrounding this area. Though some territories have been delineated, disputes remain unresolved.
Since Partition, efforts to resolve the situation at Sir Creek have yielded little. Twelve rounds of bilateral discussions have occurred since 2012, but significant hurdles remain, preventing both nations from reaching a lasting agreement. Modi’s Diwali visit is likely to reignite discussions on Sir Creek among officials as celebrations symbolize hope—not only for light during Diwali but also for resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the area.
It’s important to understand the historical weight of Sir Creek, as it plays not just the role of geographical significance but also serves as a focal point of national pride and identity for many Indians, especially those who serve to protect its borders. Modi’s gesture aims to resonate well beyond mere celebration; it reaches out to the values of unity and resilience, uplifting those tasked with ensuring the country’s security. While the festive atmosphere this year might not resolve the geopolitical intrigue at Sir Creek, it serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of those who stand guard at the nation’s edges.
Diwali, for many, signifies victory. For frontline soldiers, it symbolizes the dedication to protecting the sovereignty of their homeland. With Modi's presence, this year's Diwali at Sir Creek tied together the celebration of light with the reality of national security. Assuredly, it leaves all pondering about the road forward and what diplomatic overtures await on the horizon.
