INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

🔆 Revisiting Kuwait’s Invasion: The Forgotten Story of Migrant Workers 📍 Why in News? 🟢 August 2 marks the anniversary of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, bringing renewed attention to the experiences of migrant workers during the Gulf crisis. 🟢 For many migrant workers, the war meant unemployment and loss of everything they had built abroad. 📍 Impact on Migrant Workers 🟢 Labourers and domestic workers were among the worst affected after employers fled, leaving workers with unpaid wages, savings and possessions lost. 🟢 Although a UN Compensation Commission was established to retrieve wages, compensation largely benefited white-collar and high-skilled workers, while many low-skilled workers lost their hard-earned wages. 🟢 The experience highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers when conflict disrupts employment and protection mechanisms. 📍 Return & Community Resilience 🟢 Some migrants undertook difficult journeys home, including travelling by road across multiple international borders and relying on informal networks of assistance. 🟢 Others were evacuated through civilian-led airlifts organised with the help of diaspora leaders. 🟢 Some migrants stayed back, taking up odd jobs and even sheltering fellow migrants during the war. 📍 India’s Evacuation Experience 🟢 During the occupation, the Indian embassy could not continue its operations and staff relocated to Basra. 🟢 Indian businesspersons formed voluntary committees, coordinated evacuations, liaised with officials and arranged buses, ships and flights. 🟢 India eventually evacuated around 1,70,000 Indians, described as an exceptional example of diaspora-led crisis management in the absence of adequate state infrastructure and embassy guidance. 📍 Changing Migrant Behaviour After the War 🟢 The experience of insecurity changed migration strategies among the Malayali diaspora in Kuwait. 🟢 Workers increasingly began saving more aggressively, transferring money home quickly and investing in land and houses back home. 🟢 Migrants also began clustering in neighbourhoods such as Abbasiya, creating closely knit communities supported by community and religious organisations. 📍 Legacy for Migration & Foreign Policy 🟢 The invasion reshaped not only migration strategies but also the social geography of the Malayali diaspora in Kuwait. 🟢 It demonstrated the importance of diaspora networks during overseas crises. 🟢 It also highlights the continuing vulnerability of migrant workers who contribute significantly to Gulf economies but can remain among the least protected during conflicts. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 Iraq invaded Kuwait: 2 August 1990 🟢 Major affected group: Migrant workers 🟢 India evacuated: ~1,70,000 Indians 🟢 Key feature: Diaspora-led crisis management 🟢 Long-term impact: Changes in saving, remittance and investment behaviour among migrants 🟢 Broader theme: Migration + Gulf security + diaspora diplomacy 📌 Mains Practice Question “The Kuwait crisis demonstrated both the vulnerability of Indian migrant workers and the resilience of diaspora networks.” Discuss its implications for India’s migration diplomacy. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 Building Consensus: 18th BRICS Summit 📍 Why in News? 🟢 The 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed the importance of reformed multilateralism in a world increasingly shaped by unilateral actions of superpowers. 🟢 The Summit sought to build consensus despite differences among BRICS members. 📍 Three Parameters of Success 🟢 Participation of members at the highest level. 🟢 Greater importance to intra-BRICS trade cooperation mechanisms. 🟢 Consensus among members in adopting a joint statement during a time of war. 📍 Key Outcomes of the New Delhi Declaration 🟢 Called for reform of the UN Security Council and a greater role for Brazil and India. 🟢 Supported new initiatives for global governance. 🟢 Condemned Western sanctions and tariffs. 🟢 Resolved to improve intra-BRICS trade and promote transactions in local currencies. 🟢 Condemned unilateral wars without specifically criticising any member. 🟢 Took a strong position on Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon. 📍 Managing Intra-BRICS Differences 🟢 The Summit succeeded in maintaining consensus despite differences among members over global conflicts. 🟢 Iran and the UAE, despite being rivals in the West Asian conflict, used the Summit for a high-level bilateral meeting. 🟢 The position of Saudi Arabia, which had not formally joined the group, remained ambiguous. 📍 India’s Role as Global South Balancer 🟢 India’s fourth BRICS chairmanship strengthened its image as a Global South balancer. 🟢 India maintained engagement with both sides of a divided global order while also pursuing bilateral interests. 🟢 PM Modi’s engagement with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian helped address concerns amid India’s relations with the U.S. and Israel. 🟢 The meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping provided an opportunity to reaffirm political will to normalise India-China ties. 🟢 Engagement with ASEAN and African leaders reinforced India’s ties with the Global South. 📍 Significance 🟢 The Summit demonstrated that countries with significant differences can still build consensus on issues of global importance. 🟢 It highlighted the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global power equations. 🟢 BRICS is increasingly being positioned as a platform for multipolarity, Global South cooperation and reformed multilateralism. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi 🟢 Major document: New Delhi Declaration 🟢 Core theme: Reformed multilateralism 🟢 Economic focus: Intra-BRICS trade + local currencies 🟢 Institutional reform: UN Security Council 🟢 India’s positioning: Global South balancer 🟢 Key diplomatic engagements: Iran, China, ASEAN & African countries 📌 Mains Practice Question “BRICS is increasingly emerging as a platform for consensus-building among emerging economies despite significant geopolitical differences.” Discuss with reference to the 18th BRICS Summit. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 Pakistan’s Westward Turn: Strategic Depth or Overstretch? 📍 Why in News? 🟢 The Pakistan–Kuwait defence cooperation agreement signed on 27 August 2026 reflects Pakistan’s expanding strategic footprint in West Asia. 🟢 This comes alongside Pakistan’s membership of the Saudi Arabia–Türkiye–Pakistan defence arrangement and its emerging role as an intermediary between Iran and the United States. 📍 Historical Roots of Pakistan’s West Asian Orientation 🟢 During the Cold War, Pakistan, Iran and Türkiye were linked through CENTO and later the Regional Cooperation for Development. 🟢 After Pakistan’s defeat and dismemberment in 1971, it increasingly emphasised its Islamic identity and strengthened military relations with Saudi Arabia and Gulf monarchies. 🟢 The Islamic Summit in Lahore (1974) symbolised this greater engagement with the Arab world. 📍 From Bilateral Ties to Institutionalisation 🟢 The Makkah Agreement of 7 August stipulated that an armed attack against one member would be regarded as an attack against all. 🟢 Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye moved to give this arrangement greater institutional substance. 🟢 At the 31 August meeting in Istanbul, Foreign and Defence Ministers and military chiefs decided to establish a permanent secretariat in Saudi Arabia, with a Pakistani Secretary-General for three years. 🟢 They also agreed to strengthen military interoperability and defence-industrial cooperation, including joint technology development and production. 📍 Emerging Contradictions 🟢 Pakistan’s expanding West Asian role brings contradictory commitments. 🟢 Renewed Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia could test the Makkah agreement’s collective-defence provision. 🟢 The Houthi capture of Mocha port and Perim Island could affect Saudi shipping through the Bab-el-Mandeb. 🟢 With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed by Iran, Saudi Arabia could potentially face pressure to launch a larger conflict against the Houthis. 🟢 This would create a dilemma for Pakistan because it simultaneously seeks relations with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran. 📍 Pakistan’s Expanding Strategic Roles 🟢 Pakistan seeks to be Saudi Arabia’s security partner. 🟢 It views Türkiye as a strategic ally, particularly on Kashmir. 🟢 It has developed a role as an Iran interlocutor and intermediary with Washington. 🟢 It is also becoming an increasingly important security provider to Gulf monarchies. 📍 Implications for India 🟢 Pakistan’s deeper West Asian integration could provide it with defence in depth, Saudi financial resources and Turkish defence technology. 🟢 Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities further enhance its strategic value to Arab states concerned about regional instability. 🟢 However, its growing commitments could also create strategic overstretch, diverting diplomatic, military and intelligence resources away from its traditional focus on India. 📍 Why India Should Not View It Only Negatively 🟢 Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf states have major economic and strategic relationships with India. 🟢 These states are unlikely to sacrifice their interests with India for Pakistan. 🟢 India should therefore continue deepening strategic and economic engagement with Gulf countries as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s expanding footprint. 📍 Strategic Paradox 🟢 Pakistan’s Westward turn can provide greater strategic depth, but deeper involvement in West Asian security arrangements also exposes it to the region’s conflicts. 🟢 The challenge is balancing commitments to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye and the United States when their interests diverge. 🟢 Thus, strategic depth could gradually become strategic overstretch. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 Recent development: Pakistan–Kuwait defence cooperation agreement — 27 August 2026 🟢 Makkah Agreement: Collective-defence arrangement 🟢 Permanent secretariat: Saudi Arabia 🟢 Key partners: Pakistan–Saudi Arabia–Türkiye 🟢 Strategic challenges: Saudi–Houthi tensions, Iran relations, Gulf security 🟢 India’s response: Deepen ties with Saudi Arabia, UAE & other Gulf states #InternationalRelations

🟢 A stronger NDB can make BRICS more relevant as a platform for Global South economic cooperation without requiring a common currency or direct confrontation with existing institutions. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 NDB established: 2015 🟢 Headquarters: Shanghai 🟢 Founding members: Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa 🟢 Purpose: Infrastructure & sustainable development finance 🟢 Key advantage: Local-currency lending 🟢 Target: 30% of lending in local currencies 🟢 India’s priority: Greater capital, membership expansion & rupee-denominated financing 📌 Mains Practice Question “The New Development Bank can provide BRICS with a practical instrument of economic cooperation without requiring confrontation with the existing global financial architecture.” Discuss in the context of India’s BRICS strategy. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 At BRICS, India Must Bank on the New Development Bank (NDB) 📍 Why in News? 🟢 At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India’s approach to BRICS is being discussed in the context of strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB) as a practical instrument of cooperation. 🟢 The NDB can help BRICS expand economic cooperation through greater capital, membership and local-currency lending. 📍 BRICS: Growing Economic Weight, Limited Institutional Influence 🟢 When BRICS was formed, its members contributed around 20% of global GDP but held only 11% of voting share at the IMF. 🟢 With expansion, BRICS now accounts for nearly 40% of global GDP and 55% of the global population, while its IMF voting share remains below 11%. 🟢 Despite its economic weight, differences among members make it difficult to develop a coherent geopolitical identity. 📍 Why NDB Matters? 🟢 Established by BRICS in 2015, the NDB was created to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging/developing economies. 🟢 It provides an avenue for BRICS cooperation without directly challenging or confronting Western financial institutions. 🟢 India should use the NDB to maximise BRICS’ potential without strengthening Beijing’s overall influence. 📍 NDB’s Portfolio 🟢 The NDB has approved around $43 billion across 139 projects since 2015, according to the article. 🟢 The active portfolio shown in the accompanying data is concentrated among the founding members, with China and India together accounting for 51%. 🟢 Major sectors include: 🟢 Transport infrastructure — 38% 🟢 COVID-19 emergency assistance — 25% 🟢 Multiple areas — 12% 🟢 Clean energy & energy efficiency — 10% 🟢 Water & sanitation — 9% 📍 Challenges Before the NDB 🟢 The NDB has lagged behind institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in lending and disbursement. 🟢 Its lending capacity is constrained by a weak asset-growth trajectory and restrictions arising from sanctions on Russia. 🟢 The bank also faces challenges to its credit standing and dollar funding costs. 🟢 It has an exceptionally slow disbursement rate; according to the article, only about $20 billion of approved loans had been disbursed. 📍 Russia & Sanctions Challenge 🟢 Not all founding members can match higher capital commitments, particularly Russia, which has been heavily sanctioned. 🟢 Sanctions have strained the NDB’s credit standing and dollar funding costs. 🟢 The NDB has extended no new credit to Russia since March 2022. 📍 Breaking the Asset Bottleneck 🟢 One proposed solution is for the five founding countries to increase their paid-up capital. 🟢 However, domestic economic constraints mean that not every founder can make higher commitments. 🟢 India should therefore focus on long-delayed membership expansion and broader participation. 📍 India & the NDB 🟢 The NDB has supported Indian projects, including metro rail systems, demonstrating its potential as a development-finance institution. 🟢 India should push for: 🟢 Greater NDB capitalisation 🟢 Expansion of membership 🟢 Local-currency lending 🟢 Financing for emerging markets and developing countries 🟢 Stronger focus on infrastructure and sustainable development. 📍 Local-Currency Lending 🟢 A major strength of the NDB is its preference for local-currency lending. 🟢 This can reduce dependence on the US dollar, particularly during periods of global economic and geopolitical volatility. 🟢 The NDB’s General Strategy targets 30% of lending in member countries’ local currencies. 🟢 For India, pushing the long-delayed rupee bond could help deepen this mechanism.

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🔆 Saudi Arabia Pipeline Outage Puts Global Oil Supply at Risk 📍 Why in News? 🟢 Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline following drone strikes by Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. 🟢 The disruption could put up to 4% of global oil supply at risk if the pipeline does not resume operations within days. 📍 East-West Oil Pipeline 🟢 Saudi Arabia uses the pipeline to transport around 4 million barrels of oil per day to Yanbu, a port on the Red Sea. 🟢 This route enables Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for a significant portion of its oil exports. 🟢 With the pipeline out of service, Yanbu has stocks for only about 5–7 days of exports, according to industry sources. 📍 Alternative Export Routes 🟢 Saudi Arabia also has stocks for several days to supply customers from Egyptian ports. 🟢 These include Ain Sukhnа on the Red Sea and Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean. 🟢 However, available stocks are not sufficient for a prolonged pipeline outage. 📍 Houthi–Saudi Escalation 🟢 The Houthis claimed further attacks on Saudi Arabia. 🟢 They stated that a military base in Sharurah province, in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, was targeted. 🟢 Houthi media also reported Saudi strikes on Saada in northern Yemen. 📍 Global Energy Significance 🟢 The disruption highlights the vulnerability of global oil supplies to instability around West Asian energy corridors. 🟢 Any prolonged interruption can affect oil availability, prices, shipping and energy security. 🟢 It also demonstrates the strategic importance of alternative routes that can reduce dependence on maritime chokepoints. 📍 Humanitarian Impact 🟢 The escalating conflict has also triggered displacement in Yemen. 🟢 The International Organization for Migration reported that displacement had reached 85,818 people. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 Pipeline: Saudi Arabia’s East-West Oil Pipeline 🟢 Destination: Yanbu, Red Sea 🟢 Capacity mentioned: ~4 million barrels/day 🟢 Alternative Egyptian ports: Ain Sukhna & Sidi Kerir 🟢 Attackers: Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen 🟢 Key region: Najran, Saudi Arabia 🟢 Importance: Bypass route around the Strait of Hormuz 📌 Mains Practice Question “The security of energy corridors in West Asia has implications far beyond the region.” Discuss in the context of the Saudi East-West oil pipeline and global energy security. (10 Marks | 150 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 Unilateral Sanctions: Impact on Food Security & Global Economic Order 📍 Why in News? 🟢 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a stronger BRICS role in building a more just international order. 🟢 He criticised unilateral sanctions, stating that they directly affect global food security and people’s welfare. 🟢 He also backed greater trade in national currencies and strengthening the New Development Bank (NDB) to enhance BRICS’ economic resilience. 📍 Concerns over Unilateral Sanctions 🟢 Pezeshkian argued that excessive dependence on existing financial and trade systems makes emerging economies vulnerable to political shocks. 🟢 Unilateral sanctions can affect food security and people’s welfare, particularly when they disrupt trade and financial flows. 🟢 He called for expanding trade in national currencies and strengthening the NDB to reduce economic vulnerabilities. 📍 Economic Resilience through BRICS 🟢 BRICS should evolve beyond a framework for cooperation among emerging economies into a mechanism for building a more balanced and inclusive global economic order. 🟢 Resilience, cooperation and sustainability should be translated into practical action. 🟢 Pezeshkian highlighted the need to transform the Global South’s capacities into shared capabilities. 📍 Security & Economic Resilience 🟢 According to Pezeshkian, economic resilience cannot be sustained without security. 🟢 He referred to military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran and warned that attacks on economic, energy and development infrastructure can have regional and global repercussions. 🟢 He stressed that protecting civilians and preventing attacks on civilian targets is an international responsibility. 📍 Gaza & Lebanon 🟢 Pezeshkian said people in Gaza and Lebanon continue to face the consequences of what he described as “crimes and genocide.” 🟢 He called upon BRICS to play a more effective role in defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity and prohibition of the use of force. 📍 Global Governance & Global South 🟢 The international community should not merely manage current crises but build a system that strengthens nations against future crises. 🟢 Pezeshkian called for transforming the capacities of the Global South into shared capabilities. 🟢 He stressed the importance of knowledge and innovation as key BRICS agenda items. 🟢 AI and emerging technologies should empower nations rather than become instruments of domination. 📍 Iran’s Role in BRICS 🟢 Iran highlighted its geopolitical position and energy and transit capacities as potential contributions to BRICS. 🟢 It expressed readiness to contribute its capacities to BRICS cooperation. 🟢 Iran also emphasised that resilience requires sustained cooperation, justice and sustainability, which are difficult to achieve without peace and security. 📌 UPSC Prelims Quick Recall 🟢 Speaker: Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran 🟢 Platform: BRICS Summit 🟢 Key concern: Unilateral sanctions → food security & people’s welfare 🟢 Proposals: National-currency trade + stronger NDB 🟢 Focus: Global South, economic resilience, knowledge & innovation 🟢 Emerging technologies: AI should empower nations, not dominate them 🟢 Iran’s strengths highlighted: Energy + transit capabilities 📌 Mains Practice Question “Unilateral sanctions and excessive dependence on existing financial systems can increase the economic vulnerability of developing countries.” Discuss in the context of BRICS and the Global South. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

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🟢 Cooperation includes vaccine R&D, medical-product regulation, digital healthcare and mental-health initiatives. 📍 8. Agriculture & Food Security 🟢 BRICS recognised its role in global food production and stressed food security, nutrition and resilient supply chains. 🟢 Continued development of the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange was welcomed. BRICS_New_Delhi_Declaration_Building_for_Resilience,_Innovation.pdf 🟢 New initiatives include BRICS AGRIN and networks on agroecology, regenerative agriculture and digital agriculture. 📍 9. Energy & Critical Minerals 🟢 BRICS supported diversified and resilient energy systems, recognising the continuing role of fossil fuels while promoting just and inclusive energy transitions. BRICS_New_Delhi_Declaration_Building_for_Resilience,_Innovation.pdf 🟢 It highlighted AI and advanced analytics for smart grids and energy storage. 🟢 It called for reliable and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains, with value addition and benefit-sharing for resources. 📍 10. NDB & Development Finance 🟢 The New Development Bank (NDB) was recognised as a key institution for sustainable development and infrastructure in EMDCs and the Global South. 🟢 BRICS encouraged greater resource mobilisation, local-currency financing, diversified funding and expanded membership. 🟢 The BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal was launched under India’s Chairship. 📍 11. Climate & Disaster Resilience 🟢 BRICS reaffirmed implementation of the Paris Agreement, including mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance. 🟢 It stressed Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). 🟢 Cooperation includes early-warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and people-centric, community-based adaptation. 📍 12. Overall Significance for India 🟢 Strengthens India’s Global South leadership and strategic autonomy. 🟢 Provides a platform to push UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO reforms. 🟢 Expands cooperation in DPI, AI, health, agriculture, critical minerals, climate resilience and infrastructure. 🟢 The declaration reflects an approach of reforming existing multilateral institutions rather than abandoning multilateralism. 📌 Mains Practice Question The BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026 reflects an attempt to make global governance more representative while promoting practical cooperation among emerging economies. Examine its significance for India and the Global South. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 India Pushes for 10 Global Governance Reform Proposals at BRICS 📍 Why in News? 🟢 Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS leaders to jointly prepare 10 proposals for global governance reform during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. 🟢 He proposed developing these into a BRICS Reform Road Map by the next Summit. 📍 Why Global Governance Reform? 🟢 BRICS has completed 20 years and, according to PM Modi, is entering a phase of greater maturity and responsibility. 🟢 He highlighted the imbalance between decision-makers and those affected by their decisions. 🟢 The objective is to transform the Global South from “rule-takers” into “rule-shapers.” 📍 Three Core Principles 🟢 Representation — decision-making structures should reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities. 🟢 Responsiveness — global institutions must provide effective solutions to emerging problems. 🟢 Rule-making — developing countries should participate meaningfully in shaping global rules. 📍 Reform of Global Institutions 🟢 PM Modi called for a time-bound reform roadmap for the UN Security Council, including text-based negotiations with definite timelines and outcomes. 🟢 He emphasised that voting power, leadership positions and policy priorities in financial institutions must reflect present-day economic realities. 🟢 Countries driving global economic growth should have a greater role in shaping global economic governance. 📍 Global South: From Rule-Takers to Rule-Shapers 🟢 The Global South is often on the front line of global crises, but has limited influence over global decision-making. 🟢 PM Modi proposed transforming the existing “pyramid of privilege” into a platform of partnership, where every country has a voice and stake. 📍 Implementation Mechanism 🟢 A BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism was proposed so that the BRICS Troika can follow up on initiatives and outcomes. 🟢 PM Modi suggested creating a secure digital repository to record every decision, deadline and implementation status. 🟢 Greater speed, scale and last-mile impact were emphasised. 📍 Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network 🟢 PM Modi proposed a Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network. 🟢 It could connect maritime authorities and missions of BRICS countries to provide disaster alerts, medical assistance, information to families and evacuation support. 📍 Emerging Technologies & Global Rules 🟢 AI, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology and critical technologies are not only future opportunities but also areas where the rules of the future are being shaped. 🟢 India called for transforming the Global South from rule-takers into rule-shapers in these domains. 📍 Significance for India 🟢 Supports India’s long-standing demand for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions. 🟢 Strengthens India’s Global South leadership and reform-oriented multilateralism. 🟢 Connects BRICS cooperation with practical outcomes rather than only declarations. 🟢 Reinforces India’s vision of a more representative, responsive and participatory global order. 📌 Mains Practice Question “The Global South must move from being rule-takers to rule-shapers.” Discuss India’s approach to global governance reform through BRICS. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations

🔆 The New Lords of the Red Sea: Houthis vs Saudi Arabia 📍 Why in News? 🟢 The Houthi (Ansar Allah) movement in Yemen has expanded its territorial and maritime influence, raising concerns over the security of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. 🟢 Years of warfare, ideological commitment, control of the Red Sea coast and sustained Iranian support have helped the group evolve into a formidable territorial and naval force. 📍 Who are the Houthis? 🟢 The Houthis, or Ansar Allah, are a Zaydi Shia movement based in northern Yemen. 🟢 The movement’s roots lie in the “Believing Youth” revivalist group founded in northern Yemen in the 1990s. 🟢 It drew ideological influence from the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the rise of Hezbollah in Lebanon. 🟢 Zaydis constitute roughly one-third of Yemen’s population. 📍 Rise of the Houthi Movement 🟢 In 2004, an arrest warrant against Houthi leader Hussein al-Houthi triggered an insurgency. 🟢 The movement eventually grew stronger and captured Sana’a in 2014. 🟢 Saudi Arabia formed a coalition against the Houthis in 2015, but failed to dislodge them. 🟢 A ceasefire in 2022 allowed the Houthis to consolidate their position in northern and northwestern Yemen. 📍 Control of the Red Sea Coast 🟢 The Houthis expanded their control over important coastal areas and the Red Sea shipping route. 🟢 According to the article, they captured the Red Sea cities of Mokha and Dhubab and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb, extending control along the coast and into the strait. 🟢 This gives the group greater strategic leverage over one of the world’s important maritime chokepoints. 📍 Iran–Houthi Link 🟢 The Houthis have received sustained Iranian support. 🟢 The article describes the Houthis as part of a wider network of Iran-aligned Shia forces in West Asia. 🟢 Their growing capabilities provide Iran and Ansar Allah with potential leverage over critical maritime routes. 📍 Two Critical Maritime Chokepoints 🟢 Strait of Hormuz: connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea. 🟢 Bab el-Mandeb: connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, providing the maritime gateway towards the Indian Ocean. 🟢 The article notes that more than 20% of global seaborne oil trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran. 🟢 The Red Sea typically carries around 12–15% of global trade. 📍 Saudi Arabia’s Vulnerability 🟢 Saudi Arabia faces pressure because disruption around Hormuz can affect its East-West Pipeline, which connects oil fields in the east with ports on the Red Sea. 🟢 This provides an alternative route for Saudi crude exports when Hormuz faces disruption. 🟢 Houthi control around Bab el-Mandeb therefore creates an additional strategic pressure point. 📍 Impact on Global Trade & India 🟢 Disruption of Bab el-Mandeb can affect shipping between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal. 🟢 Rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope increases voyage time, fuel consumption and freight costs. 🟢 For India, prolonged disruption can affect trade with Europe, energy supplies, shipping costs and supply chains. 📍 Strategic Significance 🟢 The Houthi rise demonstrates how a non-state armed group can acquire territorial, military and maritime capabilities. 🟢 Control of a chokepoint gives a regional actor influence disproportionate to its economic size. 🟢 The simultaneous importance of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb gives Iran-aligned actors potential leverage over two critical maritime gateways. 🟢 It highlights the growing importance of maritime security, chokepoint resilience and diversified trade routes. 📌 Mains Practice Question “Control over maritime chokepoints can provide non-state actors with strategic leverage far beyond their territorial boundaries.” Discuss with reference to the Houthis and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. (15 Marks | 250 Words) #InternationalRelations