Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982), ships of all states enjoy the right of transit passage through international straits used for navigation, including the Strait of Hormuz. Article 38 of UNCLOS provides for continuous and expeditious transit passage — states bordering straits cannot suspend this right. However, during armed conflict, the practical enforcement of these rights depends on political and military realities.
- UNCLOS Article 38: Right of transit passage in international straits — non-suspendable
- Iran has periodically threatened to close the Strait, though it has never done so completely — closure would also harm Iranian oil exports
- India is a party to UNCLOS; it also participates in multilateral maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean Region
- The Indian Navy operates the IOR (Indian Ocean Region) surveillance mission and has previously deployed warships for maritime security during Gulf tensions
● Tracked since March 08, 2026 · last seen March 26, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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