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

Students may confuse Bab el-Mandeb with the Strait of Hormuz (both are chokepoints, but Hormuz is in the Persian Gulf, while Bab el-Mandeb is in the Red Sea). Also, the ships attacked (Encelia vs. Layla) may be swapped, or the confirmed hit may be tricked.

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

1. Target this Data: Oil price above $100/barrel on July 23, 2026 2. Target this Geographic Point: Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint (Red Sea-Gulf of Aden) 3. Target this Percentage: Over 50% of India's crude imports transit through Bab el-Mandeb

International RelationsEconomy

Take AI Challenge ▸

News 6 of 22

Houthi 'Naval Blockade' Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Chokepoint; Oil Above $100, India's 50%+ Crude Imports at Risk

Q: Which strategic waterway is threatened by the Houthi 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia as per the article?

Bab el-Mandeb, The article explicitly states that the Houthi attacks threaten the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade south of the Red Sea. The Strait of Hormuz is another chokepoint but was already shut earlier.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers: 1. The Houthis claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, on July 23, 2026. 2. The Saudi Press Agency confirmed that both ships were struck. 3. Oil prices crossed $100 per barrel after the attacks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct: Al Masirah TV reported attacks on Encelia and Layla. Statement 2 is incorrect: Saudi Press Agency confirmed only Encelia was hit, not Layla. Statement 3 is correct: The article says oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel on July 23.

Q: According to the article, what proportion of India's crude oil imports transit through the Bab el-Mandeb?

More than 50%, The article explicitly states 'more than 50% of its crude oil imports transit through the Bab al-Manded'. The other options are either wrong or incomplete.

Q: What is the primary objective of the Houthi 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia as inferred from the article?

To disrupt global oil supply and increase Iran's leverage in negotiations with the U.S., The article mentions that the Houthis, at Iran's behest, could threaten shipping routes to give Iran leverage in negotiations with the U.S. The blockade is part of a broader Iranian strategy to expand the conflict and constrain oil supply lines.

Intl. Relations Economy Security & DefenceCORE

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

24 Jul 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:Oil price above $100/barrel (July 23, 2026)India's crude imports >50% via Bab el-Mandeb53.5% of India's imports from Russia (June)Yanbu port exports 4.1 million barrels/day (June)Xin Long Yang carrying 2 million barrels to ChinaRodos carrying 700,000 barrels to India

Bodies:Houthi MovementIranSaudi ArabiaIndiaIRGCCosco Shipping

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers (Encelia and Layla) on July 23, 2026, as part of a 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

2.Oil prices crossed $100 per barrel, the highest in two months, amplifying global supply concerns after the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.

3.India's crude oil imports are heavily dependent on Bab el-Mandeb (over 50% of total), with 53.5% coming from Russia via this route, making it vulnerable to higher costs and supply cuts.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, part of a declared 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia, threaten the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. Oil prices surged above $100/barrel. India, which imports over 50% of its crude via this route, faces risks of supply disruption and higher import bills, making this a critical issue for energy security and international relations.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Oil Price (July 23)Above $100/barrel

India's Imports via Bab el-Mandeb>50%

Russia's Share in India's Imports (June)53.5%

Yanbu Port Daily Exports (June)4.1 million barrels

Ships AttackedEncelia (hit), Layla (unconfirmed)

1-Minute Revision

›Oil Price (July 23): Above $100/barrel
›India's Imports via Bab el-Mandeb: >50%
›Target this Data: Oil price above $100/barrel on July 23, 2026
›Target this Geographic Point: Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint (Red Sea-Gulf of Aden)
›Target this Percentage: Over 50% of India's crude imports transit through Bab el-Mandeb

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

News Snapshot

⚓

Houthi 'Naval Blockade'

Houthis claimed a blockade of Saudi Arabia, attacking two oil tankers near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, with one confirmed hit near Jizan port.

🛢️

Oil Price Surge

Oil prices soared above $100/barrel for the first time in two months, driven by fears of supply disruption through a key global chokepoint.

🇮🇳

India's Import Vulnerability

With over 50% of its crude imports transiting Bab el-Mandeb, India faces potential supply cuts and rising import costs, especially for Russian oil.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers are part of an Iran-aligned strategy to leverage the Red Sea chokepoint after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran in late February. The Houthis, controlling areas near Bab el-Mandeb, declared a 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia, threatening to block another vital oil route after the Strait of Hormuz was shut. Iran reportedly flew in IRGC commanders and missile equipment to Yemen to bolster Houthi capabilities.

Core Analysis & Implications

The attacks drove oil prices above $100/barrel, compounding global supply constraints. For India, which imports over 5 million barrels per day, the Bab el-Mandeb route is critical: 53.5% of its June imports came from Russia via this strait. With the Strait of Hormuz already closed, any disruption here will severely inflate India's import bill. Saudi Arabia had diverted crude to Yanbu port (4.1 million barrels/day in June) via the East-West Pipeline, but the Houthi blockade now threatens that alternative route as well.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Houthi clearance for Russian and Chinese tankers indicates a selective blockade, but India-bound vessels have not been guaranteed safe passage. The tanker Rodos (700,000 barrels to India) changed course after the blockade announcement. India may need to engage diplomatically with Iran and the Houthis, diversify import sources, and explore alternative routes (e.g., Cape of Good Hope) despite higher costs. The situation underscores the strategic vulnerability of India's energy security to chokepoint geopolitics.

Key Facts at a Glance

Oil Price (July 23)Above $100/barrel

India's Imports via Bab el-Mandeb>50%

Russia's Share in India's Imports (June)53.5%

Yanbu Port Daily Exports (June)4.1 million barrels

Ships AttackedEncelia (hit), Layla (unconfirmed)

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

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which strategic waterway is threatened by the Houthi 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia as per the article?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers:

1. The Houthis claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, on July 23, 2026.

2. The Saudi Press Agency confirmed that both ships were struck.

3. Oil prices crossed $100 per barrel after the attacks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

According to the article, what proportion of India's crude oil imports transit through the Bab el-Mandeb?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, State PSC

What is the primary objective of the Houthi 'naval blockade' on Saudi Arabia as inferred from the article?

All 25 MCQs ▸

Read original article from The Hindu

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

Intl. RelationsView Topic MCQs →EconomyView Topic MCQs →Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →

PreviousUS Imposes 10% Tariff on India Under Section 301 Over Forced Labour Concerns Next Govt Blocks BitChat Repositories Under IT Act Section 79(3)(b) Over Decentralised Mesh Network Concerns

Related Current Affairs

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Houthi Capture of Perim Island Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Saudi Oil Exports via Red Sea

Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have captured Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, especially after the Strait of Hormuz disruption. This move threatens Saudi Arabia's alternative Red Sea export route and could spike oil prices. Saudi airstrikes have retaliated, escalating the Yemen conflict.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Houthi Capture of Mokha (60 km from Bab-el-Mandeb) Threatens Saudi Oil Routes, East-West Pipeline Shut

Houthi forces seized the strategic port of Mokha (60 km from Bab-el-Mandeb Strait) on September 11, 2026, threatening Saudi Arabia's oil transit via both the Red Sea and the East-West pipeline. This escalation in Yemen's civil war has direct implications for global energy security and Iran's proxy strategy, making it a critical case study for security and international relations exams.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US-Iran Hold First Shuttle Talks in Months; Brent Crude Below $100 Amid West Asia War

The US and Iran held their first shuttle talks in months via a Qatari mediator on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, raising hopes for progress in ending the West Asia war (Operation Epic Fury). The diplomatic opening helped keep oil prices near two-week lows with Brent crude holding below the $100-a-barrel threshold.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US-Iran 60-Day Framework Expires: Hormuz Blockade, Oil Sanctions Widen West Asia Stalemate

The 60-day US-Iran framework for a long-term peace deal has collapsed, leaving the Strait of Hormuz blockaded and global energy routes under strain. With Washington renewing oil sanctions and Tehran betting on Trump's midterm constraints, the stalemate has become a strategic risk that India cannot ignore.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

PM Modi at SCO Summit: West Asia Crisis Threatens Global Energy, Trade, Supply Chains

PM Modi at the SCO Summit in Bishkek warned that the West Asia crisis (US-Israeli attacks on Iran) shows regional conflicts have global repercussions on energy, trade, and supply chains, disproportionately affecting the Global South. He emphasized dialogue and diplomacy over war, and called for unified action against terrorism without double standards. The summit also addressed connectivity, people-to-people ties, and India's SCO vision.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Xi Jinping Visit to Egypt: China Deepens Ties with US Ally Amid West Asia Shifts; $20B Trade, BRICS, BRI Focus

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt marks a strategic push to expand China's influence in West Asia, a region traditionally dominated by US allies. With $20 billion in annual trade, Egypt's inclusion in BRICS (2023) and Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, this visit signals China's role as a stabilizer and mediator, especially amid the Iran-US war. For UPSC aspirants, this is a key case study in geopolitics, soft power, and India's balancing act in the region.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Strait of Hormuz Deal Imminent; Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye Defence Pact Signed Amid US-Iran War

Two major geopolitical developments: the US expects a deal between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil supply, while Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye have signed a joint defence pact in Mecca. These events reshape West Asian security and energy dynamics, directly impacting global inflation and regional alliances.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Houthis Seize Perim Island at Bab el-Mandeb Strait; Oil Prices Surge Above $100

Houthi capture of Perim Island threatens the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and trade, especially after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed. This could spike oil prices above $100, impact India's energy security, and escalate the Iran-US proxy war via Yemen.

Start Today's Quiz(25 Qs)

Take Today's Quiz

25 Qs • 5-7 Mins

Houthi 'Naval Blockade' Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Chokepoint; Oil Above $100, India's 50%+ Crude Imports at Risk

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Houthi 'Naval Blockade'

Oil Price Surge

India's Import Vulnerability

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance