India's Sea Borders Poised for Further Expansion
- MGMMTeam
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
India's maritime boundary could soon extend, as the government is preparing to revise the method used to measure the country’s coastline. Currently, India relies on the Everest Ellipsoid system, an outdated model that lacks global acceptance. Authorities are now considering a shift to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), a widely recognized international standard. This transition may expand India’s maritime limits by anywhere from a few metres to several hundred metres, potentially impacting its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
Transition to WGS84 and Its Implications
As reported by The Economic Times, India has traditionally used the Everest Ellipsoid system to define its shoreline. However, this method lacks both precision and global recognition. To resolve these issues, the government is contemplating a switch to the WGS84 system, which is widely accepted by international bodies and commonly used in maritime boundary disputes. This transition will enhance India’s maritime governance and bolster its position in global discussions on sea boundaries.
Adopting WGS84 will alter India’s baseline, the reference point for determining maritime zones. This will affect the country’s territorial waters (12 nautical miles from the baseline) and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (200 nautical miles). For instance, in the Sir Mouth area near Sir Creek, the Indian coastline may shift approximately 57 meters northwest, slightly expanding India’s maritime zone and its rights to marine resources.
Impact on Maritime Borders and Neighboring Countries
The adjustment in baseline calculations will have major implications for India's maritime boundaries with its neighbouring countries. The most significant impact will be felt in relation to Bangladesh, where the changes in baselines will alter the territorial waters. A smaller, but still considerable effect, may also be observed along the border with Pakistan.
As reported by The Economic Times, it's important to note that the 2014 Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal, which resolved the maritime boundary dispute between Bangladesh and India, utilized the WGS84 datum. This precedent reinforces the credibility and international recognition of the system that India is now contemplating.
Official Government Process and Gazette Notification
As part of the shift to the new system, India will revise its official maritime boundary records, including updating 133 geographic coordinates used for baseline calculations.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with other pertinent agencies, is leading this effort to align with global standards. Once the new coordinates are officially gazetted, India’s maritime boundaries will be officially extended, strengthening the nation’s sovereignty over additional marine resources.
India’s Growing Coastline: A Path of Parallel Progress
As India undertakes the task of redefining its maritime baselines, its coastline has seen a remarkable expansion over the last fifty years. According to a recent report by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the length of India’s coastline has increased from 7,516 km in 1970 to 11,098 km in 2023–24—marking a 47.6% rise.
Gujarat led this growth, with its coastal stretch nearly doubling from 1,214 km to 2,340 km. West Bengal, however, registered the highest percentage increase—its shoreline expanded from 157 km to 721 km, an impressive 357% surge.
As reported by The Times of India, states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have also experienced notable changes in their coastline measurements, largely due to updated methodologies that now include intricate coastal features such as bays, estuaries, and inlets.
The Impact of Scientific Advancements
Advancements in geospatial technology and hydrographic survey techniques have enabled the recalibration of India’s coastline. Unlike older methods that depended on straight-line distance measurements, the new approach offers detailed mapping of the ever-changing and diverse coastal features.
The National Maritime Security Coordinator has been instrumental in applying these scientific methods, ensuring that India’s maritime boundaries accurately reflect its true coastal geography.
While the data in the MHA report is still being reviewed, the ongoing updates to coastal measurements align with India’s broader goal of enhancing maritime governance. These revisions are expected to have a significant impact on economic activities, environmental management, and national security planning.
Strategic Impact on India's Maritime Economy
India’s maritime economy is significantly shaped by the size of its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Expanding maritime boundaries will strengthen India’s sovereign rights over additional sea areas, opening up opportunities for economic activities such as fishing, offshore energy exploration, and maritime trade.
According to The Times of India, several coastal states are proactively enhancing their maritime infrastructure in anticipation of these growing economic prospects. Andhra Pradesh, for example, has been developing new ports like Ramayapatnam, Krishnapatnam, and Kakinada Gateway. These projects are expected to stimulate employment, industrialization, and urbanization, further solidifying India’s status as a major maritime power.
The expansion of India’s maritime borders will also have significant security implications. Establishing a clear baseline is essential for enforcing maritime laws, safeguarding national interests, and preventing unauthorized incursions into Indian waters. With clearly defined and internationally recognized maritime boundaries, India will be better equipped to address challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy, and territorial disputes.
Moreover, adopting a standardized baseline using WGS84 will improve India’s ability to engage in diplomatic negotiations and legal actions concerning maritime sovereignty. By aligning its geospatial framework with international standards, India enhances its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime disputes are a constant concern.
Enhanced Maritime Sovereignty
India’s decision to update its baseline system marks a significant advancement in reinforcing its maritime sovereignty. By transitioning from the Everest Ellipsoid system to WGS84, India’s maritime boundaries will align with international standards, expanding its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by distances ranging from a few meters to several hundred meters.
This shift goes beyond mere territorial growth; it also strengthens India’s geospatial precision, legal position, and strategic capabilities in maritime affairs.
As India continues to modernize its maritime governance, the effects will resonate across various sectors, from economic development to national security. With an adjusted coastline and a scientifically enhanced maritime baseline, India is set to assert itself as a dominant maritime power in the 21st century.
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