India’s Maritime Claim Expansion in the Central Arabian Sea: Strategic Dimensions and Global Ramifications

India’s maritime vision has taken a significant leap with the recent expansion of its continental shelf claim in the Central Arabian Sea. By increasing its maritime jurisdiction by approximately 10,000 square kilometers, India has signaled a strong intention to reinforce its strategic and economic footprint across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This move aligns with India’s broader ambitions of establishing itself as a maritime power and reflects its growing emphasis on ocean governance, resource security, and geopolitical stability.

This essay critically explores the dimensions of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion, its historical roots, legal framework, strategic consequences, and the broader implications for global diplomacy and marine resource management.

Understanding the Framework of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion

Legal Foundations under UNCLOS

At the heart of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion lies the legal structure provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982. Under UNCLOS, coastal states have rights over various maritime zones:

• Territorial Waters (up to 12 nautical miles): Full sovereignty over air, water, and seabed.

• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles): Exclusive rights to exploit marine resources.

• Continental Shelf (up to 350 nautical miles and beyond): If scientifically proven to be a natural extension of a nation’s landmass.

India’s recent move is part of its submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), asserting that parts of the seabed in the Central Arabian Sea are geologically connected to the Indian mainland.

Historical Evolution of India’s Maritime Boundaries

Initial Submissions and Regional Tensions

India submitted its first extended continental shelf (ECS) claim in 2009. However, progress was slow due to scientific complexities and geopolitical sensitivities, particularly with Pakistan. The Sir Creek area—a disputed maritime boundary between India and Pakistan—became a sticking point, with Islamabad opposing India’s claims near the region.

The 2025 Revised Submission

India’s revised submission in 2025 was more strategically designed. By excluding contentious zones, particularly around Sir Creek, India sidestepped direct diplomatic confrontations while still achieving a substantial increase in maritime territory. The 10,000-square-kilometer addition is a testament to the combination of robust scientific validation and deft diplomacy.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion

Enhancing Naval and Defense Capabilities

A key outcome of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion is the strengthening of its naval posture in the Central Arabian Sea. Control over a larger seabed area enables strategic positioning of maritime defense infrastructure. Surveillance stations, submarine bases, and naval logistics hubs can be developed to secure key sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) that pass through the Arabian Sea.

This move also serves as a counter to the growing maritime assertiveness of China. With Beijing’s String of Pearls strategy—a network of naval bases from the South China Sea to East Africa—India’s move helps assert its strategic autonomy in the IOR.

Counterbalancing Regional Rivals

Pakistan, a direct neighbor and maritime competitor, views India's expansion with suspicion. However, by steering clear of disputed territories, India’s legal claim is insulated from major international objections. Meanwhile, Gulf nations and East African states, which rely heavily on secure maritime trade routes, may see India's growing naval capacity as a stabilizing factor.

Economic Advantages of India’s Maritime Claim Expansion

Oil and Gas Exploration Potential

The newly claimed seabed is believed to hold untapped hydrocarbon reserves. India's energy security—often challenged by high import dependence—could receive a much-needed boost. National oil companies like ONGC may find new offshore blocks for drilling, lessening India's vulnerability to volatile global oil prices.

Deep-Sea Mining and Strategic Minerals

The Central Arabian Sea seabed is rich in polymetallic nodules containing valuable minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for high-tech industries, including electronics, aerospace, and renewable energy. By securing mining rights through India’s Maritime Claim Expansion, the country is better positioned to meet industrial demands and reduce import reliance.

Boosting the Blue Economy

India’s fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology sectors stand to benefit from expanded jurisdiction. Sustainable use of marine biodiversity could support coastal livelihoods while enhancing food security. Regulatory control over a larger marine zone also allows India to enforce fishing regulations and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign vessels.

Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions

International Endorsement and the Role of CLCS

The CLCS plays a central role in approving ECS claims. India’s meticulous scientific surveys and adherence to UNCLOS norms give its claim strong legal footing. While CLCS approval is pending, initial expert reviews have shown a positive outlook.

Responses from Neighboring and Global Powers

• Pakistan’s Reaction: As expected, Pakistan has voiced concerns, though less aggressively due to the revised submission's legal precision.

• China’s Observation: China, always alert to India's maritime advances, is closely monitoring developments but has refrained from formal opposition.

• Global Stakeholders: Nations with shipping or energy interests in the Indian Ocean—such as the U.S., Japan, and Australia—are likely to welcome a legally stable and secure maritime environment that India can help ensure.

Environmental and Sustainability Concerns

Balancing Exploitation with Conservation

While India’s Maritime Claim Expansion unlocks resource potential, it also brings environmental responsibilities. Deep-sea mining and oil drilling can disturb fragile marine ecosystems. India's environmental policies must evolve to include strict impact assessments and sustainable resource management practices.

Oceanic Climate Challenges

The Arabian Sea is highly vulnerable to climate-induced changes like rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and marine biodiversity loss. India must integrate climate resilience into its

maritime strategy—promoting clean maritime transport, green ports, and oceanic carbon sequestration projects.

Broader Strategic Implications

India as a Net Security Provider in the IOR

India has long projected itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. Through this ECS expansion, it strengthens its role in ensuring maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and disaster response across the region.

Advancing India's Indo-Pacific Strategy

India's Indo-Pacific outlook emphasizes openness, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law. The ECS expansion aligns with these principles and adds heft to India’s voice in regional multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Quad.

Future Pathways and Challenges

Awaiting Final CLCS Decision

The final judgment by the CLCS will determine the legal acceptance of India's claim. If approved, it sets a precedent for other maritime nations and reinforces the utility of UNCLOS in resolving maritime boundaries through scientific means.

Managing Diplomatic and Security Dynamics

India must maintain open channels with neighboring states to avoid misperceptions. Joint development of maritime resources, marine research cooperation, and regional confidence-building measures can prevent escalation of tensions.