‘Strait of Hormuz’ has been heard a lot, now ‘Bab al-Mandeb Strait’ has come in the market: Iran threatened to close it too, 10-12% of the world’s and 95% of India’s trade happens through this strait, it will become a ‘gate of tears’ for the whole world.
US-Iran War: There is an uproar in the world due to the halt in oil and gas supply due to the closure of the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ due to the war between America and Iran. This opportunity is also falling on industries. At the same time, no decision has been taken yet on the ceasefire between America and Tehran. The world is still trying to find a solution to the crisis arising from the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also indicated to focus its attention on another major sea route. This is ‘Bab al-Mandab Strait’. Iran has threatened to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if American-Israeli attacks increase. If this happens, the international supply chain and energy supply will come to a complete halt and there will be chaos all over the world.
Now Iran-backed Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also threatened regarding Bab Al Mandeb. He has threatened that he will not allow ‘even a liter of oil’ to be taken. Recently, Houthis have entered the West Asia war for the first time by launching missile attacks on Israel. In such a situation, if Bab Al Mandeb is also disrupted after the current crisis of Hormuz, then it can affect every kind of business including oil in the whole world including India.
Actually, Bab al-Mandeb Strait is located in the south-west of Yemen, about 2 thousand kilometers away from Iran. But here is the base of Iran-backed Houthi group. In such a situation, at the behest of Iran, the Houthi group is preparing to open a new front in this war. An Iranian military source has warned that if Iranian territory or its islands are attacked, it could open a new front in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This means that Entry of Houthi rebels against America-Israel attacks on Iran Has occurred.
This is why Bab Al Mandeb is important for India
The Red Sea Route has been very important for India’s trade with Europe and North Africa. According to CRISIL rating agency, during 2022-23, about 50 percent of India’s exports and 30 percent of imports come from Bab Al Mandeb. About 80 percent of India’s trade with Europe passes through Bab-el-Mandeb. More than 15 percent of India’s total merchandise exports to the European Union are routed through this route. This is about 450 billion dollars annually.
30 percent of the world’s oil supply eclipsed
Hormuz is already closed. According to sources, if the attacks intensify, Iran may also get Bab Al Mandeb closed. In such a situation, closure of both the straits may increase the risk of disruption of about 30 percent of the world’s oil supply. According to EIA data, 4.2 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products were expected to pass through Bab el Mandeb by mid-2025. This is about 5.3 percent of the world’s marine oil trade. It accounts for about 5 percent of the world’s oil consumption.
- It is the entry gate to the Red Sea, from where the Suez Canal can be directly reached.
- Bab el Mandeb is 100 kilometers long and 29 kilometers wide. From here the ships pass in a controlled manner avoiding attacks.
- About 10-12 percent of global maritime trade and 9 percent of crude oil passes through here every day. It is also the gate of the Southern Suez Canal.
Its closure could lead to recession in the world
If this waterway is completely disrupted, it could have huge economic impacts. There is a fear that due to this, oil prices may reach $ 150 per barrel, due to which inflation may start skyrocketing across the world. The costs of industries will increase, supply chains will be affected and the economy of many countries may even fall victim to recession.
Bab el Mandeb could become the gate of tears
Bab al-Mandab is an Arabic word meaning ‘Door of Tears’… This strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. This route, approximately 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide, separates Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea, known as the Horn of Africa. Ships going from Asia to Europe have to pass through this route to reach the Suez Canal. 10 to 12 percent of the world’s total oil and natural gas shipments pass through this route. Also, about 12 percent of global trade and 40 percent of container traffic passing through the Suez Canal depends on this route.
Bab el Mandeb has been disrupted before
According to media reports, Bab el Mandeb has been disrupted before. Due to the Arab-Israeli war in 1973, due to the threat of Somalian pirates in the 2000s, due to the Yemen war since 2015, due to Israel’s attacks on Gaza in 2023, the Houthis started attacking any ship passing through Bab Al Mandeb. Bab el Mandeb has been affected several times since then.
Also read:- ‘The country cannot bear so much loss because of one fool…’ Kiren Rijiju’s strong attack on Rahul Gandhi, said – Now the government will get every bill passed.
Follow the LALLURAM.COM MP channel on WhatsApp
Comments are closed.