Maritime issues between Pakistan and India: seeking cooperation and regional stability

Abstract

Since independence, relations between Pakistan and India have been fraught with contentious issues. Most of these conflicts were related to the demarcation of borders and the non-resolution of the Kashmir dispute. The primary focus of efforts and ideas to resolve these conflicts has been land-basedfor example, the future of Kashmir, the delimitation of the Line of Control (LOC), and the Siachen Glacier issue. Less focus has been given to the maritime issues between both countries, including Sir Creek and its effect on the delimitation of the interstate maritime boundary; the arrest and repatriation of fishermen by both sides; and non-cooperation between maritime forces at sea. The resolution of maritime issues between Pakistan and India is essential because it is a potential area of significant cooperation between the two rivals. As this thesis demonstrates through its analysis of these issues and comparable international disputes, small, preliminary steps by both sides toward the resolution of these maritime issues will build and strengthen the cooperation, which could pave the way for the resolution of more complex and substantive disputes in the future. In other words, peace in Kashmir may be wrought at sea.