UPSC Geography: why straits matter, UNCLOS and transit passage
A strait is a narrow stretch of water connecting two larger water bodies (seas, oceans, or lakes), flanked by land on both sides. -Why Straits Matter for UPSC? Geopolitical significance: Straits are choke points of global trade, naval movement, and energy supply. Questions appear in Prelims (Geography), Mains GS-1 (Physical Geography), GS-2 (International Relations), and Essay. 1) UNCLOS: Governs transit passage through straits used for international navigation 2) Innocent passage vs. Transit passage: In straits, transit passage applies (submarines need not surface, aircraft can overfly), more liberal than innocent passage 3) Choke points: Straits where disruption can cripple global supply chains (Hormuz, Malacca, Bab-el-Mandeb form a trio critical to India's energy security)
Nilmani Tripathi · 4mo ago
Thank you ma'am