UPSC Notes

International Maritime Law and Geopolitics

PYQs

11

Articles

2

Momentum

29

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently tests India's stance on international law, maritime security, and regional disputes, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific and its implications for trade, security, and India's strategic interests.

International Maritime Law, primarily codified by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), governs the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world's oceans. It addresses issues such as navigational rights, territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and the settlement of maritime disputes, playing a crucial role in global geopolitics and trade.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

UNCLOS 1982

Comprehensive international treaty governing maritime activities and rights.

Freedom of Navigation

Principle allowing vessels to traverse international waters without impediment, crucial for global trade.

South China Sea

Region of significant geopolitical tension due to overlapping territorial claims and strategic importance for global trade routes.

Code of Conduct (CoC)

Proposed legally binding framework to manage conduct in the South China Sea, aimed at preventing conflicts.

Claimant Nations

Multiple countries claim sovereignty, including China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan.

China's Claim

China's 'nine-dash line' claim is a major point of contention.

Strategic Importance

Rich in oil, natural gas, and fisheries; crucial for global shipping and trade.

Recent Developments

China's 'large-scale land reclamation' and 'militarisation' heighten tensions.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaInternational Law

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United NationsFacilitates
ChinaClaimant
PhilippinesClaimant
VietnamClaimant
ASEANRegional body
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Quick revision

  • UNCLOS 1982 is the foundational treaty for maritime law.
  • India supports freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.
  • South China Sea disputes require a legally binding Code of Conduct.
  • India emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy for maritime security.
  • Maritime security is crucial for global trade and regional stability.

Elimination traps

Body vs treaty — Distinguish between the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the legal framework and specific rulings or actions by international bodies.

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International RelationsInternational Law

International waterways must remain safe and unimpeded: S. Jaishankar

24 Jul 2026 · India advocates for safe and unimpeded international waterways, adherence to UNCLOS 1982, and a legally binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, emphasizing dialogue and international law to resolve maritime disputes and ensure regional stability.

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Japan is facing the most severe and complex security environment after Second World War, says Fumio Kishida

09 Oct 2026 · The South China Sea Dispute involves territorial claims by multiple nations over resource-rich and strategically vital waters, marked by China's assertive actions and challenges to international maritime law, causing regional tensions.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 11 linked questions on International Maritime Law and Geopolitics in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on International Maritime Law and Geopolitics

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

India is a member of which of the following? 1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation. 2. Association of South-East Asian Nations. 3. East Asia Summit Select t...

2015·International Relations
Solve

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following international conventions have **not** been ratified by India? 1. Employment Policy Convention 2. Abolition of Forced Labour Conventi...

2026·International Relations
Solve

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries : 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ...

2018·International Relations
Solve

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

2025·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II ...

2024·Geography
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north -western Kenya. 2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war l...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue which Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

2022·International Relations
Solve

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