UPSC Notes

Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security

PYQs

9

Articles

6

Momentum

31

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

It's a fundamental principle of international law crucial for global trade, often challenged in geopolitical hotspots, and central to discussions on maritime security and sovereignty.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, through which a significant portion of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes. Ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in this choke point is critical for global energy markets and international trade.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

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.

Geographical Location

Connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaPhysical & Regional Geography
Conceptual areaEconomic Geography
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual areaInternational Law
Conceptual areaMaritime Security

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
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
Ministry of External Affairs (India)Advocates for indian interests, de-escalation, and safety of seafarers
Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)Enforces maritime control and blockades in the region
United NationsUpholds
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • 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.

Elimination traps

Body vs treaty — Distinguish between the principle of FON and the UNCLOS treaty that codifies it.

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International RelationsPhysical & Regional GeographyEconomic GeographyGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Prime Minister meets President of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the G7 Summit

17 Jun 2026 · 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.

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Trump, Iran’s President sign deal to end West Asia war

18 Jun 2026 · The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil transit, whose security is vital for international energy markets and trade, and is frequently a flashpoint in West Asian geopolitical tensions.

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Key points from the first round of Iran-U.S. talks

22 Jun 2026 · Critical global oil choke point; communication line established for safe passage; vital for energy security.

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Why is Trump targeting Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site? Here’s what we know

22 Jul 2026 · The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil, central to geopolitical tensions and maritime security in the Middle East.

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U.S. military says 100 ships redirected in past two months of Iran blockade

13 Sep 2026 · Freedom of Navigation is an international legal principle, primarily codified in UNCLOS, guaranteeing the right of ships to traverse international waters without undue interference, vital for global commerce and often a point of contention in maritime disputes.

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Doval speaks to Iran NSA, discusses ‘latest developments’ after ships attacked in Hormuz

13 Oct 2026 · The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint whose security is vital for global energy and trade, frequently experiencing geopolitical tensions and threats to freedom of navigation.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 9 linked questions on Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security

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

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
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With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

2015·International Relations
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Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its p...

2024·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Techn...

2023·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

2016·International Relations
Solve

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

The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :

2024·Geography
Solve

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming a member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? 1. It will have access to the latest and most effi...

2018·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II: There have been m...

2024·International Relations
Solve

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