Context:
India has submitted a modified claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to extend its Extended Continental Shelf in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 square kilometers.
Extended Continental Shelf (ECS):
- Defined under UNCLOS, the ECS refers to the seabed and subsoil beyond 200 nautical mileslimit of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) grants nations sovereign rights over fishing, seabed mining, and other marine resource extraction.
- ECS extends a country’s continental shelf, allowing control over natural resources.
India’s ECS Claim:
- India submitted its ECS claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for areas in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Seain 2009.
- Pakistan objected to India’s ECS claim in the Western Arabian Sea, citing overlap near Sir Creek.
- Consequently, CLCS rejected India’s claim in the Arabian Sea, but allowed resubmission with modifications.
- In 2025, India revised its claim, avoiding disputed areas, and added 10,000 sq km in the Central Arabian Sea.
- India’s modified submission will now be reviewed by CLCS under Article 76 of UNCLOS.
- Geopolitical Considerations –
- India’s ECS claims in the Arabian Sea overlap with Oman, but a 2010 agreement states the area is not disputed.
- Myanmar & Sri Lanka contest India’s claim over 300,000 sq km in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
- Significance of ECS for India –
- Maritime Sovereignty: ECS adds 1.2 million sq km, nearly matching India’s land area, strengthening strategic autonomy.
- Economic Expansion: ECS enhances fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and India’s Blue Economy.
- Scientific Advancements: Enables oceanographic research and environmental conservation.
Sir Creek Dispute:
- 96-km water strip in Rann of Kutch, contested by India & Pakistan.
- Serves as a boundary between Kutch (India) & Sindh (Pakistan), opening into the Arabian Sea.
- International boundary & Maritime Boundary (IMBL) remain undemarcated.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC)’, consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
It was established in 1997 and formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim initiative.
Maritime security, trade, and investment, disaster risk reduction, academic and scientific Corporation, cultural exchange, blue economy, empowerment of women, and fisheries management are identified as eight priorities area of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.