Bab el-Mandeb (Geography)
Bab el-Mandeb (Geography)
Why In News:
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively disrupted since early 2026 amid the US-Iran conflict, attention has shifted to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a second critical chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Source: The Hindu, Page 8, 23 July 2026, 'India must lead in securing the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb'
Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in Arabic meaning the “Gate of Tears” or “Gate of Grief,” reflects the historical dangers associated with navigation in this region.
It is a narrow maritime chokepoint located between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
The strait connects the Red Sea (northwest) with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean (southeast).
It separates Yemen on the Asian side from Djibouti and Eritrea on the African side.
The strait is approximately 20 miles (32 km) wide.
It is divided into two channels by Perim Island, which is under the control of Yemen.
Economic and Strategic Significance
It forms a crucial link in the route connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, making it one of the most vital global maritime trade corridors.
It serves as the only maritime entry point to the Red Sea from the Indian Ocean, facilitating trade between Asia and Europe.
The strait is a critical chokepoint for the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Why It Matters for India
About 95 percent of India's trade by volume moves by sea, and a large share of exports to Europe and North Africa transits the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb route.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced at the 2023 G20 Summit, is being positioned as a strategic hedge against disruption at either Hormuz or Bab el-Mandeb.