Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Diwali on October 31, 2024, with Indian jawans in Sir Creek, Gujarat, continuing his year-long tradition of celebrating the festival with members of the armed forces. This year, he visited Sir Creek, a strategically critical and disputed area on the India-Pakistan border in the Rann of Kutch, thus asserting important brotherhood with India’s defence personnel in one of the country’s sensitive border areas.
Sir Creek: A Strategic and Disputed Territory
Sir Creek is a 96-kilometre-long marshy area, located between the Indian state of Gujarat and the Sindh province of Pakistan. The areas have been disputed for decades by India and Pakistan because of the significance and potential economic advantages. Essentially, at the core of the boundary row is the interpretation of historical maps and colonial-era agreements between both nations claiming ownership. The area is further believed to hold natural gas and oil in reserve-making it multipurpose valuable considering the geopolitical tension between the two countries.
The subject of contention primarily lies in the matter of the delimitation of the boundary along Sir Creek. The process of identifying the boundary is also crucial because it determines the maritime boundary between India and Pakistan. India, for instance, asserts that the boundary should follow the eastern side of the creek, while Pakistan argues that it is the midline, affecting the territorial waters of either nation as well as their exclusive economic zones. The feud has been at the centre of skirmishes in the past, pointing at the necessity for a security presence in the area.
Modi’s Diwali Visit: A Boost to Morale and Defense Preparedness
The Prime Minister talked to the jawans at Sir Creek, lauding their loyalty and courage in defending the country. The emphasis was on the commitment of the government to the armed forces, especially for islands like Sir Creek, where crews work in harsh environments along complicated lines. Modis Diwali celebrations at the border with the jawans are a tradition he has kept since he became PM-attributed mainly to his solidarity with those who protect India’s sovereignty and his respect for their sacrifices.
Thus, Modi celebrating Diwali at Sir Creek gives a strategic message in firm assertion of India’s claim over the territory. The visit has been extensively reported by national and international media about India’s assertion of sovereignty in Sir Creek which is bound to give an impression that the government’s priority is towards the safety and security of border areas.
Significance of Modi’s Visit for India-Pakistan Relations
The Prime Minister’s visit has both symbolic and diplomatic implications. By electing to celebrate Diwali at Sir Creek, Modi undergirds India’s resolute position on national security, concerning especially disputed borders. This overture follows public addresses delivered by Modi that have sought to endorse national unity, resilience, and toughness against hostile forces impinging on India’s territorial integrity. His interactions with the troops likely cheer them up afresh, especially in face of the perpetual geopolitical challenge presented by border disputes.
Diwali with Modi at Sir Creek not only reaffirms India’s commitment to the defence forces but also sends a strong message to neighbouring Pakistan regarding India’s position on the issue of territory. The gesture of sharing Diwali celebrations with the forces is not only aimed at boosting jawans’ morale, but it is also a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to safeguarding its interests along contentious borders.
