The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is very tense at present. America is taking strict action against the activities of ships related to Iran there. Meanwhile, a new defense agreement has been signed between America and Indonesia on April 13. Under this agreement, American military aircraft are now allowed to move more easily in Indonesian airspace. This is officially being described as a step to increase cooperation between the two countries, but questions are being raised regarding its timing. This deal has come at a time when the US has started a blockade in Hormuz to increase pressure on Iran. After this, oil supply almost stopped and prices reached above $ 100 per barrel. In such a situation, it is believed that America has signed this agreement to keep an eye on the Malacca Strait. After Hormuz, focus on Malacca The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest sea lanes in the world. This is the same route that connects the Indian Ocean to East Asia and is one of the busiest sea routes in the world. About 40% of global trade and about 30% of oil supply passes through here. Its geographical location makes it special. It is 3 kilometers wide at Phillip Channel, making it a major bottleneck. It is about nine times narrower than Hormuz. The Strait of Malacca is controlled by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. A huge amount of world trade passes through this route. This is why any movement in this area can directly affect global trade. After the US-Indonesia deal, experts believe that America is working on a strategy to secure major sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. American experts and former soldiers have said that the US is strengthening its hold on the chokepoints of the world. The biggest weakness for China: If Hormuz is considered the main route for oil supply, then Malacca can be called the lifeline of the entire world’s trade. From here, along with oil, electronics, machines and other goods are also transported in large quantities from one place to another. For China, Malacca is considered the biggest strategic weakness. About 80% of China’s oil imports come through this route. This is very important for the industrial economy and export system. For this reason, China has long considered its dependence on it as a weakness. This is why former Chinese President Hu Jintao called it the ‘Malacca Dilemma’. Recently, China has increased marine mapping and monitoring activities around the area. Why is Malacca important for India? Malacca Strait is equally important for India. About 55% of the country’s trade passes through this route and the Singapore region. India’s geographical position gives it a strategic advantage in this area. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are near the western mouth of this strait, which can be reached in 24 hours from Port Blair. India’s INS Baz air station, located in Campbell Bay, plays an important role in monitoring the area. According to experts, this gives India the power to keep an eye on maritime traffic. Can US-India cooperation increase? Experts believe that if America increases its role in Malacca, then India’s participation can be important. For the first time, Singapore has formally acknowledged India’s interest in the Malacca Strait Patrol. This indicates that regional cooperation can increase. However, everything will not be easy for America in the Malacca Strait. Indonesia and Malaysia are very sensitive about this area and do not want to compromise on their sovereignty. Singapore’s share may be small, but its role in global shipping is huge. Its ports and maritime services are the backbone of its economy, so it does not want any instability along the way. In recent times, the debate regarding maritime taxes and rules has also intensified, which has increased the concern of the countries of South-East Asia. In such an environment, America’s increasing activities show that it now wants to strengthen its hold on several important sea routes simultaneously. ———————— Also read this news… US Navy blockade on Hormuz begins: Trump’s threat – Will destroy Iranian ships coming near it, Iran said – No toll taken from India. Marine blockade has started in the Strait of Hormuz on behalf of US President Donald Trump. This decision came into effect today at 7:30 pm (10 am US time). Trump warned that if any Iranian ship comes near the US blockade, it will be immediately destroyed. For this, the same method will be used by which the ships of drug smugglers are stopped at sea, i.e. quickly and strictly. Read the full news…
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