Geopolitical Tensions in West Asia and Impact on Energy Security

India expressed serious concerns over recent attacks on energy installations in West Asia, highlighting the destabilizing effects on global energy security. The attacks have targeted crucial infrastructures such as Qatar’s LNG hub, with Iran retaliating against Israel's strikes on its South Pars gas fields.

• India's stance: 
  • Avoid targeting civilian infrastructure: India urges all parties to refrain from attacking civilian and energy infrastructures to prevent further crisis.
  • Energy crisis concern: The ongoing conflict in West Asia poses a significant threat to energy stability, prompting India to diversify its energy sources.
  • Diversification of energy sources: India is increasing its purchase of crude oil and LPG from Russia, amid disruptions caused by the conflict.
• Evacuation efforts: 
  • Return of nationals: 800 Indian nationals have left Iran, with many transiting through Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Legal Status of Maritime Routes

The legal framework governing navigation through key maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, varies between peace and wartime conditions.

Peacetime Navigation Rights

• Under peacetime conditions, ships of all states have the right to navigate through international waters adjacent to sovereign states, provided their passage is continuous and expeditious.

Wartime Maritime Law

The principles of the law of naval warfare apply during armed conflicts, with guidelines provided by the 1994 San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea.

• Neutral vs. Belligerent States:
  • Neutral states' ships, including warships, may pass through international straits during conflicts, with notification as a precaution.
  • Belligerent states are obliged to respect neutral states’ rights and not target neutral ships.

Current Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

• Iran's Restrictions: Iran has restricted ship movements in response to Israel-US military actions.
• Potential Closure During War: While neutral straits must remain open, belligerent states can choose to close them during wartime.

Protection of Shipping and Convoy Security

• Convoys escorted by belligerent warships may be targeted in conflicts, whereas those escorted by neutral warships are safer.
• Neutral states may need to provide belligerent states with convoy information to minimize risks.