Why in News
A Ministry of Defence release recorded that Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish arrived at Ream Naval Base, Cambodia on 13 September 2026.
Static Context (the exam value sits here)
- Ream Naval Base: It lies near Sihanoukville on Cambodia’s coast, on the Gulf of Thailand. It sits close to the southern approaches to the Strait of Malacca.
- Strategic weight: The base’s expansion drew attention over a possible expanded external military presence in the region. It bears on maritime access to the South China Sea.
- INS Kulish: It is an indigenous Kora class missile corvette of the Indian Navy.
- Diplomatic function: Naval port calls project presence and build maritime partnerships across the region India frames as the Indo Pacific.
Prelims angle
The location of Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, its proximity to the Strait of Malacca, and the identity of India’s coastal states and maritime neighbours are map based hooks.
Mains angle
General Studies Paper II (GS2), India and its neighbourhood and maritime strategy. A question can use the port call as an example of India’s maritime outreach near key sea lanes.
Matching Previous Year Question
“[2026] Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?
1. Bahrain
2. Syria
3. Qatar
4. Egypt
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
Answer: (b)”
“[2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca ?
(a) Bali
(b) Brunei
(c) Java
(d) Singapore
Answer: (d)”
