Why in the News?
Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the strategic importance of other Indian Ocean chokepoints such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Malacca for global trade and energy supplies.
Strait of Hormuz
- Connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
- Carries around:
- One-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.
- Iran recently announced mechanisms to regulate vessel movement.
Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
- Between Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa.
- Connects:
- Red Sea
- Suez Canal
- Gulf of Aden
- Importance
- About 8.7% of global seaborne trade passed through it in 2023.
- Major route linking Asia and Europe.
- Important for global crude oil shipments.
- Security Concerns
- Threatened by Houthi attacks from Yemen.
- Disruptions affect shipping through the Suez Canal route.
Strait of Malacca
- Between: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore
- Shortest sea route linking Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
- Around 24% of global maritime trade passed through it in 2023.
- Carries:
- 45% of global oil shipments
- 26% of internationally traded cars
- 23% of dry bulk cargo
| [2024] 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? [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I [C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect [D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct |
