why in the news
Tensions in West Asia have sharply escalated again amid reports that Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi rebels to be prepared if the United States targets Iran’s power infrastructure. According to Reuters, citing multiple sources, the Houthis are said to have deployed missiles and drones near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and are awaiting orders.The development takes on greater significance as Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz following the recent escalation of conflicts with Israel and the United States. With much of the Gulf’s oil now being rerouted to the port of Yanbu via Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea pipeline, any disruption to the Red Sea could affect one of the world’s last major energy corridors.Security analysts have warned that if the conflict spreads into the Red Sea, it could trigger another global energy and shipping crisis, similar to the disruption caused by several shipping companies avoiding the route during the conflict in Gaza.
In simple terms, this concept
The Red Sea is one of the most important waterways in the world. It is located between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and connects Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal.For centuries it has been one of the busiest trade routes in the world. Thousands of ships carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), grain, manufactured goods and consumer goods pass through the Red Sea every day.The southern entrance to the Red Sea is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow channel that connects Yemen on one side and Djibouti and Eritrea on the other. Ships entering and leaving the Red Sea must pass through this strait.The northern end of the Red Sea is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal in Egypt. Together, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal form one of the shortest sea routes connecting Asia and Europe.If the route was blocked, ships would have to sail around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. This alternative route is much longer, increasing fuel costs, delaying cargo delivery and raising global shipping charges.
how it works
The Red Sea serves as a global trade corridor. The Red Sea is an important link for global maritime trade. Its strategic importance arises from three main factors:1. Energy transportationA large portion of the world’s oil and gas passes through this route. After Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia diverted most of its crude exports through a pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Reports show that the Red Sea currently carries nearly 7% of the world’s energy supply.Oil exports from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states could be severely affected if Red Sea shipping is disrupted.2. International shippingThe Red Sea is one of the busiest commercial shipping lanes. Container ships transporting electronics, cars, machinery, food and consumer goods between Europe and Asia rely heavily on this route.During Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in 2023-24, many shipping lines rerouted vessels across Africa. Longer journeys increase shipping costs and cause delays in global supply chains.3. Strategic and military importanceThe Red Sea is equally important from a security perspective. Several countries, including the United States, France, China and Japan, have military installations near the region to protect maritime trade.Control of the Bab el-Mandab Strait provides an important strategic advantage, as even a small-scale attack on a merchant ship could disrupt global shipping.Analysts say the narrow nature of the strait makes it vulnerable. Even a limited attack using drones, missiles or small boats could force shipping companies to temporarily halt operations.
Why is the latest warning important?
The Strait of Hormuz traditionally handles about a fifth of the world’s oil supplies. Following the closure, Saudi Arabia shifted most of its exports to the Red Sea route.If the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also disrupted, the two main oil export corridors in the Middle East will be under pressure at the same time.This situation can:
- Increase global crude oil prices
- Increased shipping and insurance costs
- delay international trade
- triggering inflation in many countries
- Influence
energy security worldwide
Important institutions, laws or treaties
Suez Canal Authority (SCA)Manages and regulates traffic through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)Provides a legal framework that governs international navigation, maritime boundaries, and freedom of navigation in international waters and strategic straits.Combined Maritime Force (CMF)A multinational naval partnership to conduct maritime security operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and adjacent waters.Operation Prosperity KeeperA U.S.-led multinational initiative to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attack.
indian corner
The Red Sea is of strategic importance to India as a large part of India’s trade with parts of Europe, North Africa and North America passes through the Suez Canal.Any disturbance in the Red Sea would have multiple consequences for India:
- Rising crude oil prices are likely to increase India’s import bill.
- Freight and insurance costs for exporters and importers are likely to rise.
- Shipments to Europe may be delayed.
- If transportation costs continue to rise, inflationary pressures may increase.
- Indian naval deployment is likely to increase to protect merchant ships operating in the area.
India has previously deployed naval vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping from piracy and regional security threats.
preliminaries fact box
Power exercises“The Red Sea has become one of the world’s most strategically important seas.” Discusses its importance to global energy security and analyzes the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions on India. (250 words)
MCQs for practice
1. Bab el Mandeb Strait connection:A. Mediterranean and Black SeaB. Red Sea and Gulf of AdenC. Persian Gulf and Arabian SeaD. Arabian Sea and Bay of BengalAnswer: B2. Which international waterway connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea?A. Panama CanalB. Kiel CanalC. Suez CanalD. BosporusAnswer: C3. The Red Sea is of strategic importance mainly because it:A. Has the largest freshwater reserves in the worldB. Connecting Europe and Asia via one of the shortest sea routesC. Maximum crude oil productionD. Separate Europe from North AmericaAnswer: B4. The Houthi armed forces are mainly stationed in:A. IraqB. SyriaC.YemenD.LebanonAnswer: C5. The Convention on the Law of the Sea mainly involves:A. International trade tariffsB. Maritime law and use of the oceansC. Nuclear non-proliferationD. Aviation safetyAnswer: BFive key terms to remember
- Red Sea – an important international shipping route connecting Europe and Asia.
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the southern gate of the Red Sea, is also one of the world’s major maritime chokepoints.
- Suez Canal – A canal in Egypt that connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
- The Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- Axis of Resistance – A network of Iranian-backed armed groups operating in West Asia, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and several Iraqi militia groups.
