A continental shelf refers to the submerged extension of a nation's landmass that extends from its coastline into the ocean. Countries that are coastal have the right to claim these areas, granting them access to valuable minerals, hydrocarbons, and other natural resources. According to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), nations can extend their claims beyond the standard 200 nautical miles if they can present scientific evidence supporting their assertions. Recently, India has made headlines by expanding its claims in the Arabian Sea, adding nearly 10,000 square kilometers to its previous claims. This strategic initiative is designed to secure resource rights while also averting potential maritime boundary disputes with Pakistan.
A continental shelf is defined as the submerged extension of a country's land area under the sea. Nations hold sovereign rights over this area for the exploration and exploitation of its natural resources.
India has expanded its claim by approximately 10,000 square kilometers in the central Arabian Sea, bringing its total claim to around 3.74 million square kilometers, which includes India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Securing rights over the extended continental shelf allows India to explore and commercially exploit mineral resources, oil, and gas beyond its 200-nautical-mile EEZ limit. This expansion also fortifies India's strategic and maritime interests.
Countries are required to submit scientific and technical evidence to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), a UN body, to secure approval for claims that extend beyond 200 nautical miles.
India revised its original 2009 claim to prevent a boundary overlap and a dispute with Pakistan near Sir Creek, a contentious marshy area located between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan). Pakistan had raised objections to India's initial submission in 2012, prompting the need for a revised claim.
India's strategy focused on ensuring that the uncontested areas of its claim are awarded without challenge. Any remaining disputed portions could be resolved through bilateral discussions in the future.
Organizations such as the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) provided the essential scientific and technical support required for India's submission.
By modifying the claim to exclude disputed zones near Sir Creek, India has successfully avoided immediate confrontation with Pakistan while securing uncontested maritime areas for itself.
Indeed, beyond the Arabian Sea, India has made continental shelf claims in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. However, these claims have encountered challenges from neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
India has overlapping claims with Oman in another section of the Arabian Sea. Both nations have been in negotiations since 2010, but a final resolution is still awaited.
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