Why in the news?

  • Singapore backed India’s plan to patrol the Malacca Strait, which is a strategically important area.

Malacca Strait

  • Geography:
    • Location: Between the Malay Peninsula (West Malaysia) and Sumatra (Indonesia).
    • Extent: Connects Andaman Sea (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean) to South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).
    • Length: ~890 km.
    • Narrowest point: Phillip Channel near Singapore – only ~2.8 km wide.
    • Depth: Shallowest point ~25 m, limiting passage of ultra-large crude carriers (ULCCs).
    • Ports nearby: Singapore, Port Klang (Malaysia), Belawan (Indonesia).
  • Economic Importance:
    • One of the world’s busiest sea lanes: ~80,000 ships/year.
    • Carries ~25–30% of global trade and ~40% of global oil trade.
    • ~16 million barrels of oil/day transit (approx. one-fourth of global oil consumption).
    • Key commodities: Oil, LNG, coal, palm oil, manufactured goods.
    • Vital for China, Japan, South Korea, India – all dependent on West Asian energy supplies.
    • Singapore developed as a global shipping and bunkering hub due to its location.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • A global maritime choke point (along with Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, Panama).
    • Any disruption will cause a spike in oil prices, supply chain shocks.
    • China’s Malacca Dilemma:
      • ~80% of China’s oil imports pass through the Strait.
      • Vulnerable to US or Indian naval blockade in conflict.
  • India’s Leverage:
    • Andaman & Nicobar Islands (close to Strait).
    • “Necklace of Diamonds” strategy to counter China’s “String of Pearls”.
  • Security Concerns:
    • Piracy & armed robbery: Hotspot (esp. near Indonesia’s Riau Islands).
    • Terrorism risk: Fear of groups targeting oil tankers.
    • Smuggling & trafficking: Weapons, drugs, humans.
    • Great power rivalry: US Navy, Indian Navy, and PLAN (China) presence.
    • Environmental hazards: Oil spills, ship collisions due to shallow & narrow passages.
  • India’s Region:
    • Strategic location: Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC, India’s only tri-services command) monitors traffic.
    • Role in Indo-Pacific strategy: Ensuring “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).
    • Naval cooperation: With Singapore, Indonesia, and QUAD partners.
    • Energy security: India imports oil via this route- critical for the economy.
    • Act East Policy: Enhances India’s maritime influence.