Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security
International Relations
- PYQs5
- Articles2
Background
Understanding global energy security, strategic waterways, international law of the sea, and India's economic and strategic interests in West Asia. Disruptions here have global economic repercussions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital narrow sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the world's most important maritime choke points, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies, as well as international trade, passes, making its security critical for global energy markets and economic stability.
Facts & tables
- Location
- Connects Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea/Gulf of Oman.
- Global Significance
- Approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through it.
- Bordering Countries
- Bordered by Iran (north) and Oman (south).
- Economic Importance
- Critical for global energy security and international trade.
- Communication Line
- A 'communication line' was set up between Tehran and Washington.
- Purpose
- Objective: 'avoid incidents and miscommunication' for 'safe passage for commercial vessels'.
- Strategic Importance
- Vital for global oil and gas transit, often a point of geopolitical tension.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Economic Geography |
| Conceptual area | International Relations |
| Conceptual area | Physical & Regional Geography |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| International Maritime Organization (IMO) | Regulates shipping and maritime safety |
| United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) | Provides legal framework for maritime activities |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Connects Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman.
- Major global oil transit route (1/5th global oil).
- Critical for global energy security.
- Geopolitical flashpoint in West Asia.
- Ensuring freedom of navigation is key.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Cause and effect relationships |
| 2016 | Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2015 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
Timeline
-
Economic Geography
Conceptual area
-
International Relations
Conceptual area
-
Physical & Regional Geography
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2015
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2016
Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2024
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Cause and effect relationships
-
Prime Minister meets President of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the G7 Summit
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime choke point for global oil trade and international commerce, making its security paramount for energy markets and geopolitical stability.
-
Key points from the first round of Iran-U.S. talks
Critical global oil choke point; communication line established for safe passage; vital for energy security.
See also
Past papers
2015–2024 · 4 questions
In the news
Key points from the first round of Iran-U.S. talks
Critical global oil choke point; communication line established for safe passage; vital for energy security.
Prime Minister meets President of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the G7 Summit
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime choke point for global oil trade and international commerce, making its security paramount for energy markets and geopolitical stability.
Try these PYQs
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
Statement-II : Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I is correct. The Sumed Pipeline is indeed a significant route for transporting oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf to Europe. It bypasses the Suez Canal, offering an alternative path for these resources. Statement II is also correct. The Sumed Pipeline physically connects the Red Sea (where oil and gas are loaded onto ships from the Persian Gulf) with the Mediterranean Sea, providing a direct route for them to reach European ports. The connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea established by the Sumed Pipeline directly explains its strategic importance for transporting oil and gas to Europe. Statement II provides the geographical context for how Statement I functions.
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.
Statement-II: Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement-I: Incorrect. Venezuela continues to suffer from a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and political instability. This crisis has led to a massive exodus of Venezuelans seeking better living conditions in neighboring countries and beyond. Statement-II: Correct. Venezuela indeed possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, surpassing even Saudi Arabia. However, despite this vast resource wealth, economic mismanagement, corruption, and international sanctions have crippled its oil industry and hindered its ability to leverage this asset for economic recovery.
Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, originally (and still colloquially) known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iran. Its member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution. Hence, option A is the correct answer.
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 the correct answer using the code given below.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): India is not a member of APEC. Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN): India is not a member of ASEAN, but it is a part of ASEAN6. East Asia Summit: India is a member of the East Asia Summit. Therefore, out of the given options, India is only a member of the East Asia Summit.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. This statement is correct as the Sahel region has been experiencing significant instability and security challenges, including terrorism, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises. * Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. This statement is also correct. Several countries in the Sahel region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, have experienced military coups in recent years. * Statement-II explains Statement-I because the military takeovers and coups contribute to the instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. The political instability resulting from these coups disrupts governance, exacerbates conflict, and undermines efforts to address security and development challenges in the region.