What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

They may ask about the *percentage* of crude oil imports (40%) versus LPG imports (90%) via the Strait, or swap the names of the first ships to cross (Shivalik & Nanda Devi) with other ship names mentioned later.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 90% of India's LPG imports come via Strait of Hormuz. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) - public sector player mentioned. 3. Target this Geo-strategic Point: Vessels are sailing through Iranian waters between Larak and Qeshm islands.

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India's 8 Ships Exit Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran's Checkpoint; 16 Remain, 90% of LPG Imports Dependent on Route

Q: Which public sector company owns the LPG tankers 'Shivalik' and 'Nanda Devi' mentioned in the article?

Shipping Corporation of India, The article explicitly states that the LPG tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are owned by the public sector player Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and India's energy imports: 1. Around 40% of India's crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. Over 50% of India's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports come via this strait. 3. India's annual LPG consumption is a little over 33 million tonnes, with an import dependency level of 60%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

All three, Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'Around 40% of India’s crude oil imports... came from West Asia through the strait.' Statement 2 is correct as it mentions 'over 50% of its LNG imports.' Statement 3 is correct as it mentions 'India’s annual LPG consumption stands at a little over 33 million tonnes... with an import dependency level of 60%.'

Q: According to the article, what percentage of India's LPG consumption effectively moves through the Strait of Hormuz?

54%, The article calculates: With 60% import dependency and 90% of those imports coming via the Strait, the Strait effectively sees the movement of around 54% of India’s LPG consumption (60% of 90%).

Q: What is the primary reason cited in the article for Indian vessels successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict?

Diplomatic engagement with Iran by the Indian government, The article states that 'India is among the handful of countries that have been successful...' and attributes this to direct diplomatic engagement, noting 'India is among the countries that have been engaging directly with Iran at the diplomatic level.' Iran's Foreign Minister also listed India among friendly nations allowed transit.

Intl. Relations Security & Defence EconomyHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

05 Apr 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:8 ships exited16 ships remain33 million tonnes annual LPG consumption60% LPG import dependency90% LPG imports via Strait40% crude oil imports via Strait

Bodies:Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)Great Eastern Shipping CompanySeven Islands ShippingBW Global United LPGMOL India

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia are among the few nations whose ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's clearance.

2.India's annual LPG consumption is 33 million tonnes, with 60% import dependency and 90% of those imports coming from West Asia via the Strait.

3.Iran is regulating traffic by having vessels sail through its territorial waters between Larak and Qeshm islands instead of the conventional route.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's diplomatic engagement with Iran has secured safe passage for 8 of its merchant vessels through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, while 16 remain stuck. This development is crucial as 90% of India's LPG imports transit this chokepoint, highlighting India's energy security vulnerabilities and diplomatic maneuvering in West Asia.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Indian Ships Exited Strait8

Indian Ships Remaining16

India's LPG Import Dependency60%

LPG Imports via Strait of Hormuz90%

Daily LPG Consumption90,000 tonnes

Crude Oil Imports via Strait40%

LNG Imports via StraitOver 50%

1-Minute Revision

›Indian Ships Exited Strait: 8
›Indian Ships Remaining: 16
›Target this Data: 90% of India's LPG imports come via Strait of Hormuz.
›Target this Nodal Body: Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) - public sector player mentioned.
›Target this Geo-strategic Point: Vessels are sailing through Iranian waters between Larak and Qeshm islands.

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News Snapshot

🛳️

Strategic Exit

8 Indian-flagged vessels, all LPG tankers, have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's permission amid regional conflict.

⚓

Energy Lifeline at Risk

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for India, handling 40% of crude, over 50% of LNG, and 90% of LPG imports.

🤝

Diplomatic Channel Works

Iran allows transit for 'non-hostile' vessels from countries like India that have engaged diplomatically, while barring US, Israel, and allies.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, handling about one-fifth of global oil and gas flows. Amid regional conflict, Iran has effectively halted vessel movement, creating a major disruption for energy-importing nations like India, which relies heavily on West Asia for its hydrocarbon needs.

Core Analysis & Implications

India's successful transit of 8 ships highlights effective back-channel diplomacy with Iran, a key regional player. However, with 16 ships still stuck, the situation underscores India's acute energy vulnerability. The rerouting of ships through Iranian waters between Larak and Qeshm islands confirms Tehran's de facto control over the strait, acting as a maritime checkpoint. This creates a precedent where geopolitical alignment influences commercial shipping access.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

India must diversify its energy supply routes and sources to reduce over-reliance on this single chokepoint. Continued diplomatic engagement with all stakeholders in West Asia, including Iran and Gulf nations, is essential. Enhancing strategic petroleum reserves and exploring alternative maritime corridors (like via the Red Sea, though also volatile) are long-term necessities for energy security.

Key Facts at a Glance

Indian Ships Exited Strait8

Indian Ships Remaining16

India's LPG Import Dependency60%

LPG Imports via Strait of Hormuz90%

Daily LPG Consumption90,000 tonnes

Crude Oil Imports via Strait40%

LNG Imports via StraitOver 50%

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking

Which public sector company owns the LPG tankers 'Shivalik' and 'Nanda Devi' mentioned in the article?

Q2Statement-basedMediumUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and India's energy imports:

1. Around 40% of India's crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Over 50% of India's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports come via this strait.

3. India's annual LPG consumption is a little over 33 million tonnes, with an import dependency level of 60%.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricHardUPSC, Banking

According to the article, what percentage of India's LPG consumption effectively moves through the Strait of Hormuz?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary reason cited in the article for Indian vessels successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict?

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India's 8 Ships Exit Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran's Checkpoint; 16 Remain, 90% of LPG Imports Dependent on Route

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Strategic Exit

Energy Lifeline at Risk

Diplomatic Channel Works

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance