CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has expanded its maritime claim in the central Arabian Sea by approximately 10,000 square kilometres, as part of its effort to secure an extended continental shelf. This updated submission has been forwarded to the United Nations, replacing an earlier proposal to address and ease ongoing maritime boundary tensions with Pakistan.
Understanding Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)
An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline, giving it exclusive rights to exploit marine resources, such as fishing, energy exploration, and seabed mining. Beyond this zone, nations may stake claims to additional maritime territory if they can scientifically demonstrate that the seabed is a natural extension of their continental shelf.
About An Extended Continental Shelf
An extended continental shelf (ECS) grants countries legal rights to seabed areas that stretch beyond the standard EEZ. To obtain these rights, nations must submit detailed scientific and geological evidence to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which reviews and validates the claims. India’s ECS submission could potentially increase its maritime jurisdiction to an area comparable in size to its landmass.
India’s Initial Maritime Submissions
India first submitted its extended continental shelf claims in 2009, covering regions in the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Since continental shelf boundaries often overlap with those of neighbouring countries, these claims undergo thorough examination by the CLCS, leading to lengthy evaluation processes.
Objections, Revisions, And Disputes
India’s original submission faced objections from Pakistan, especially in areas near the western offshore region where maritime boundaries are contested. In response, India revised and divided its claim into two separate submissions. This strategy aimed to safeguard its rights over valuable seabed territories while reducing the likelihood of diplomatic confrontations.
Scientific Support Behind India’s Claim
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has played a key role in collecting and analysing the geological and geophysical data required to support India’s ECS claims. Such scientific evidence is essential for demonstrating the legitimacy of extended maritime boundaries under international law.
Coordination With Neighbouring Countries
While parts of India’s claim in the Arabian Sea overlap with Oman’s maritime zone, both countries have agreed to manage these overlapping areas through mutual cooperation. In the Bay of Bengal, however, India faces overlapping claims from Myanmar and Sri Lanka, which are still under negotiation or consideration.
Potential Economic And Strategic Benefits
If approved, India’s expanded claim could significantly increase its access to underwater resources such as hydrocarbons and rare minerals. These resources are essential for energy security and industrial development. Moreover, the successful extension of maritime boundaries could influence geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly in the context of India’s relations with its maritime neighbours.
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