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Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Geopolitics, Maritime Security ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-28 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Geopolitics, Maritime Security ///

News · GS Paper 2

Iran Threatens Bab-el-Mandeb Chokepoint

Iran has warned it may weaponise the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean, heightening risks to global trade and energy security. The threat underscores the strategic importance of the strait for India’s energy imports and the need for robust maritime security policies.

2026-03-28

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Key Facts and Data Points

Location: Between the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen) and the Horn of Africa (Djibouti & Eritrea).
Width: Approximately 20 mi (32 km), split into two channels by Perim Island (Yemen).
Traffic Share: Carries 10‑12% of global trade and ~30% of container traffic.
Energy Flow: Major conduit for crude oil, petroleum products and LNG from the Persian Gulf to Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Alternative Route: Rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope adds 10‑14 days and raises freight, insurance and inflationary pressures.

Background and Context

The strait, meaning "Gate of Tears", has historically been a navigation hazard.
Iran’s Threat: In response to perceived threats to its territories, Iran has signalled it could weaponise both the Bab el‑Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
Non‑State Actors: Iran‑aligned Houthis in Yemen are positioned to disrupt traffic, extending the West Asian crisis beyond the Persian Gulf.
The strait is the only entry point from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and onward to the Suez Canal.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Energy Security: A sizable portion of India’s oil imports transits this route; any disruption could affect supply and prices.
Strategic Maritime Interests: India’s Indo‑Pacific strategy emphasizes freedom of navigation; the strait is a critical node.
Economic Impact: Higher shipping costs translate to increased import bills, affecting inflation and trade balance.
Policy Measures: Need for diplomatic engagement with Yemen, Djibouti, Eritrea; naval presence under Indian Ocean Region (IOR) initiatives; and participation in multilateral security frameworks like MARPOL and IMO.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 246 & 253 of the Indian Constitution empower the Union to negotiate and enter into treaties concerning maritime security.
International Law: Freedom of navigation under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), to which India is a signatory.
Domestic Legislation: The Maritime Zones Act, 1976 and Indian Navy Act, 1957 provide legal basis for naval deployments in international waters.

Prepared for UPSC aspirants – focus on factual accuracy, strategic implications and policy responses.