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

They may ask about the 'Strait of Malacca' or 'Palk Strait' as distractors when the question is about the chokepoint affecting India's energy supplies from the Gulf. They might also confuse the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' with a basic 'Strategic Partnership'.

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

1. Target this Data: Approximately 4.7 million Indian diaspora in UAE. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA). 3. Target this Geopolitical Point: Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India's energy security.

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News 0 of 23

NSA Ajit Doval's UAE Visit Strengthens Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Amid West Asia Turmoil

Q: The National Security Advisor (NSA) of India, as mentioned in the news, primarily reports to and advises which constitutional authority?

The Prime Minister of India, The National Security Advisor (NSA) is a senior official in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and acts as the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on national security and international affairs.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the news: 1. NSA Ajit Doval's visit to the UAE discussed deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. 2. The Strait of Hormuz closure has led to a complete halt of all Indian maritime trade with Gulf nations. 3. India's engagement with Gulf countries includes coordination on counter-terrorism cooperation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as the article states discussions were held on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions disruption and that 'Only 10 Indian ships have been able to pass', not a complete halt. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Doval's coordination on security issues 'especially related to counter-terrorism cooperation'.

Q: According to the article, approximately how many Indian citizens reside in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

4.7 million, The article explicitly states, 'The UAE is home to about 4.7 million Indians'. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the provided content.

Q: What was a primary strategic objective of NSA Ajit Doval's visit to the UAE, as highlighted in the news?

To enhance cooperation on energy security and regional stability, The article states that the discussions focused on 'enhance cooperation on energy security amid evolving regional developments' and 'the regional security situation'. While other options are potential aspects of bilateral ties, the news specifically highlights energy security and regional stability as key discussion points.

Intl. Relations Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCPrelims MediumMains Medium

26 Apr 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:4.7 million Indians in UAE10 Indian ships passed Strait of Hormuz

Bodies:Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA)Indian Embassy in UAESupreme Council for National Security (UAE)

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.NSA Ajit Doval met UAE President to discuss deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and regional security in West Asia.

2.The visit is part of India's proactive Gulf outreach amid regional turmoil, focusing on energy security and trade disruption due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.

3.Examiners can test India-UAE relations, strategic partnership components, and the geopolitical significance of the Strait of Hormuz for India's energy imports.

The Big Picture

Prelims · MediumMains · Medium

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to bolster India's diplomatic and security outreach in the Gulf region, focusing on energy security and counter-terrorism cooperation. This high-level engagement is crucial for managing the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure on India's energy supplies and its large expatriate community.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Indian Diaspora in UAEApproximately 4.7 million

Indian Ships Passing StraitOnly 10 in last two months

Meeting DateApril 26, 2026 (Saturday)

1-Minute Revision

›Indian Diaspora in UAE: Approximately 4.7 million
›Indian Ships Passing Strait: Only 10 in last two months
›Target this Data: Approximately 4.7 million Indian diaspora in UAE.
›Target this Nodal Body: Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA).
›Target this Geopolitical Point: Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India's energy security.

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News Snapshot

🤝

Strategic Outreach

NSA Doval's visit to UAE adds a security dimension to India's diplomatic efforts in the Gulf region, focusing on counter-terrorism and energy security.

⚓

Chokepoint Crisis

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted India's energy trade, with only 10 Indian ships passing through in two months.

🇮🇳

Diaspora Diplomacy

With 4.7 million Indians, the UAE is a natural strategic partner, making this high-level engagement critical for protecting citizen interests.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

India has been proactively engaging with Gulf nations as the West Asia conflict disrupts regional stability. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has directly impacted India's energy imports, necessitating high-level diplomatic and security interventions to ensure supply continuity.

Core Analysis & Implications

Doval's visit underscores India's multi-pronged Gulf strategy combining diplomacy (PM Modi's calls), ministerial engagement (EAM Jaishankar's tour), and security coordination. The focus on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signals a move beyond energy trade to encompass defense, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. This is vital for India's energy security and the welfare of its largest expatriate community.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

India will likely continue this coordinated outreach, balancing relations with regional powers to safeguard its economic and security interests. Future milestones include implementing joint initiatives under the strategic partnership and collaborating on maritime security to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation.

Key Facts at a Glance

Indian Diaspora in UAEApproximately 4.7 million

Indian Ships Passing StraitOnly 10 in last two months

Meeting DateApril 26, 2026 (Saturday)

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

The National Security Advisor (NSA) of India, as mentioned in the news, primarily reports to and advises which constitutional authority?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the news:

1. NSA Ajit Doval's visit to the UAE discussed deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

2. The Strait of Hormuz closure has led to a complete halt of all Indian maritime trade with Gulf nations.

3. India's engagement with Gulf countries includes coordination on counter-terrorism cooperation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

According to the article, approximately how many Indian citizens reside in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What was a primary strategic objective of NSA Ajit Doval's visit to the UAE, as highlighted in the news?

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NSA Ajit Doval's UAE Visit Strengthens Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Amid West Asia Turmoil

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Strategic Outreach

Chokepoint Crisis

Diaspora Diplomacy

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance