The Embassy of India in Oman reported on Friday, October 2, 2026
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Maritime security and seafarer safety in volatile corridors: a GS2 International Relations and security case study.
Why in news
The Embassy of India in Oman reported the rescue of five Indian nationals from the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III after it was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
Background
The MT Kazimah III is a crude oil tanker sailing under the Kuwait flag, en route to Lomé, Togo. As of September 29, 2026, over 4,500 Indian seafarers are operating in the Persian Gulf area, including 163 on 12 active cargo ships.
Facts for Prelims
- FactOver 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf area as of September 2026.
- PlaceThe Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage in the Persian Gulf.
- FactThe MT Kazimah III is a Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker.
- PlaceLomé is a port city in Togo.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, consider the following statements:
- Over 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf area.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime passage located in the Arabian Sea.
- The MT Kazimah III is a tanker sailing under the Indian flag.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage in the Persian Gulf. Statement 3 is incorrect: The MT Kazimah III is a Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker.
For Mains
Q. Examine the significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and the challenges faced by Indian seafarers in volatile maritime corridors.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime security: Vulnerability of commercial oil tankers to projectile attacks in chokepoints
- Diplomatic coordination: Role of bilateral cooperation with Oman in maritime rescue operations
- Economic impact: Risks to global supply chains and India's energy imports from the Persian Gulf
Keywords: Maritime Security · Strait of Hormuz · Seafarer Safety · Energy Security · Bilateral Cooperation
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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.