Why in the News?
During talks in New Delhi, India and the United States emphasised the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Highlights
- Marco Rubio held discussions with S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.
- Major issues discussed:
- Energy security
- Maritime trade
- Bilateral trade
- Visa issues
- Indo-Pacific cooperation
Maritime Security Concerns
Both countries stressed:
- Safe and uninterrupted maritime commerce
- Stability in the: Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Concerns
Marco Rubio accused Iran of:
- Blocking maritime movement
- Supporting proxy groups
- Threatening international waterways
India’s Position
India highlighted:
- Importance of diversified energy supplies
- Need for peaceful diplomatic solutions
- Risks to global supply chains from West Asia conflict
Indo-Pacific Significance
- The U.S. reiterated support for: A “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”
Importance
Ensures:
- Freedom of navigation
- Secure sea lanes
- Stable global trade routes
Trade Discussions
- U.S. trade measures are part of a broader economic policy
- Relations with Pakistan or other countries are not at India’s expense
Strategic Importance of Strait of Hormuz
- One of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
- Large share of global crude oil and LNG trade passes through it.
- Vital for India’s energy imports.
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the Trade and Technology Council”.
Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
[C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
[D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
