Why is the Bab al-Mandab Strait so important?
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Maritime security and choke points: a key GS2 topic regarding regional stability and global trade.
Why in news
The UK agreed to deploy a military aircraft to refuel Saudi fighter jets following the seizure of territory near the Bab al-Mandam Strait by Iran-backed Houthis.
Background
The Bab al-Mandam Strait is a strategic maritime passage near the Yemen coastline. Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states has intervened in Yemen's civil war to restore government rule after the Houthis ousted the government from Sanaa in 2014.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceBab al-Mandam Strait: A strategic maritime passage located near the Yemen coastline.
- FactHouthis ousted the Yemeni government from the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
- FactSaudi-led coalition of Arab states intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015.
- PostUK military aircraft deployment: Requested by Saudi Arabia for refueling fighter jets on defensive missions.
Prelims practice question
Which strategic maritime passage is located near the Yemen coastline?
- (a)Malacca Strait
- (b)Bab al-Mandam Strait
- (c)Strait of Hormuz
- (d)Suez Canal
Show answer
Answer: (b) Bab al-Mandam Strait — The note identifies the Bab al-Mandam Strait as a strategic maritime passage near the Yemen coastline.
For Mains
Q. Examine the geopolitical significance of the Bab al-Mandam Strait in the context of maritime security and global energy supply chains.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime choke point: Strategic vulnerability of global trade routes to non-state actor interference
- Regional proxy dynamics: Impact of Iran-backed militia activity on Red Sea maritime stability
- Energy security: Risks to oil transit and subsequent impact on global commodity pricing
Keywords: Maritime Security · Geopolitics · Choke Point · Proxy Warfare · Energy Security
More International Relations notes
- India Rejects Erdogan’s Jammu and Kashmir References at UN · 29 September 2026
- Pakistan hosts SCO preparatory meeting; India attends amid Kashmir tensions · 29 September 2026
- Japan urges India to speed up UNICORN radar deal amid Quad naval plans · 29 September 2026
- US President Trump announces $15bn Essar Group steel mill project in Iowa · 29 September 2026
- Muñiz: Companies Missing India Will Miss 21st Century Growth · 29 September 2026
- Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh's Prime Minister, is scheduled to visit India in November for bilateral · 29 September 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.