UPSC Notes

Energy Security and Strategic Chokepoints

PYQs

7

Articles

1

Momentum

19

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

India is a major energy importer, making the stability of global energy supplies and the security of maritime trade routes, especially in West Asia, directly relevant to its economic stability and national security. Disruptions can lead to inflation and economic slowdown.

Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price, a critical concern for nations, especially those heavily reliant on imports. Strategic maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along widely used global sea routes that are crucial for international trade, particularly for oil and gas shipments.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Strait of Hormuz

Vital for global energy supplies, effectively closed by Iranian actions.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Another crucial chokepoint, threatened by Houthi blockade.

Attacks on oil facilities

Major Saudi oil facilities (Abqaiq, Jazan) attacked, demonstrating supply vulnerability.

Oil price volatility

Disruptions in these areas lead to significant spikes in global oil prices.

Reference table

Key Maritime Chokepoints in West Asia

ChokepointSignificance
Strait of HormuzConnects Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea; crucial for oil exports from Gulf states.
Bab el-Mandeb StraitConnects Red Sea to Gulf of Aden; vital for Suez Canal traffic and oil/gas transit.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Energy security is vital for import-dependent nations like India.
  • Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are critical oil chokepoints.
  • Conflicts in West Asia directly threaten these routes and oil infrastructure.
  • Disruptions lead to global oil price hikes and economic instability.
  • Ensuring safe passage through these chokepoints is a major international concern.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations

Iran resumes missile attacks as U.S. and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq

30 Jul 2026 · The article highlights how conflicts in West Asia threaten critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, along with attacks on oil facilities, severely impacting global energy security and causing oil price volatility.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Energy Security and Strategic Chokepoints

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 7 linked questions on Energy Security and Strategic Chokepoints in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Energy Security and Strategic Chokepoints

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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