NEWS – India Skirts Maritime Border Dispute with Pakistan by Fresh Continental Shelf Claim

HIGHLIGHTS

• India expanded its claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 sq. km.
• Modified an earlier claim to avoid maritime boundary disputes with Pakistan.
• Documents were submitted to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in April 2025.

ABOUT MARITIME CLAIMS AND EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ)

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

• Coastal countries have exclusive mining and fishing rights up to 200 nautical miles from their coastline.
• Rights include control over natural resources in the water, on the seabed, and beneath the seabed.

Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)

• Coastal States can claim beyond 200 nautical miles if they scientifically prove that the seabed is a natural extension of their landmass.
• Claims must be verified by the UN body — Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
• Grants rights to explore and exploit natural resources, including:
  • Valuable minerals
  • Polymetallic nodules
  • Oil reserves

ABOUT THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

Definition

• The edge of a continent submerged under ocean water.
• Extends from the coastline to a drop-off point called the shelf break.
• Beyond the shelf break is the continental slope, descending toward the deep ocean floor.

Formation

• Formed over millions of years by accumulation of:
  • Inorganic materials (sediments from rivers: rock, soil, gravel).
  • Organic materials (remains of plants and animals).

Features

• Broad, gently sloping plains under shallow water (average depth ~60 meters / 200 feet).
• Rich ecosystems due to:
  • Sunlight penetration
  • Nutrient inflow from ocean currents and river runoff
• Important habitats for:
  • Microscopic shrimp
  • Giant seaweed (kelp)
  • Various marine life forms

Other Characteristics

• Continental shelves cover less than 10% of the ocean’s total area.
• Some shelves have deep canyons and channels with limited light and exploration.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA’S NEW CLAIM

• Enhances India’s rights to commercially exploit valuable seabed resources.
• Strengthens India’s strategic and economic interests in the Arabian Sea.
• Avoids exacerbating longstanding maritime disputes with Pakistan.