RED SEA:

02 Jan RED SEA:

UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS GS1 PAPER: Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features 

WHY IN NEWS? 

Yemen’s Iran backed Houthis is have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023 to show their support for the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in its war against Israel.

IMPORTANCE OF RED SEA REGION FOR INDIA? 

1. From the Suez Canal that links it to the Mediterranean, to the straits of the Bab al Mandab that connect it to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea is a vital artery for the world economy.
2. Upwards of 10% of seaborne cargo sails through its waters every year including the majority of Asian trade with Europe.
3. An estimated $200 billion worth of Indian exports flows every year through the key waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
4. With the Suez Canal becoming unusable due to recent attacks, India’s exports of manufactured goods including automotive parts, agricultural products, chemicals, textile and readymade garments, and pharmaceutical products are likely to be affected.
5. The Saudi Arabia’s Council of Arab and African littoral States of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden includes all eight states with a coastline, namely Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen as well as Saudi Arabia itself—but not Israel, which has a seaport at Eilat.

ADVERSE IMPACTS ON ECONOMY: 

1. The attacks have raised issue of maritime security and free & safe passage in the Red sea region and Indian ocean.
2. This has prompted major shipping companies to take the longer and costlier route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal. 
3. This leads to delays in cargo deliveries, and results in increased fuel expenses. Additionally, this circumstance heightens the demand for vessels.
4. For Example, Re-routing via the Cape of Good Hope can add up to 10 days sailing time & cost up to $1 million extra in fuel for every round trip between the Far East and North Europe
5. This is a cause for concern for India as it is a major importer of crude oil from Russia and a significant player in the export of petroleum products to Europe, both of which require transportation through the Suez Canal. 
6. As data analytics firm Kepler reported, India became Europe’s largest supplier of refined fuels in 2023. In the ongoing and previous financial years, the Netherlands was the biggest importer of India’s refined fuels. 
7. Further, as India is an oil import dependent economy constituting 80% of India’s energy needs. Thus,  increased prices of fuel can further lead to “imported inflation” in Indian economy having negative impact on overall consumer demand.
8. For Example, in FY 2023-24, India imported over $26,900 million worth of crude oil from Russia — its biggest source of oil this year — with Iraq featuring a distant second ($15,582 million). 

RELATED NEWS: OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN: 

1. It is an initiative launched by USA to protect Red Sea commerce.
2. This follows missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.
3. Countries Involved: The U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain are participating.
4. Joint Patrols: These nations will conduct joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. 
5. NOTE: India is NOT a member of alliance 

PRELIMS 2024 PRACTISE QUESTION: 

Q1: Consider the following statements: 

1. The strait of Bab el Mandab connects Red sea to the Indian ocean
2. The Council of Arab and African littoral States of the Red Sea concists of 8 countries includng Saudi Arabia, UAE & Egypt
3. In FY 2023-24, India is Europe’s largest supplier of refined fuel
4. In FY 2023-24, Iraq is India’s biggest supplier of crude oil followed by Russia

How many of the above statements is/are correct? 

A. One only

B. Two only

C. Three only

D. All of the above

ANSWER: B

Suyash Rai

I have appeared in Mains 2022 & 23 of UPSC CSE exam. I also guide students regarding their NEET & JEE preparations.
Working as Content developer at Plutus IAS since 2023.