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Relevance: GS-II (Global Institutions) & GS-III (Maritime Security) Source: IMO press briefing, June 2026

1 · The Core Issue

On June 23, 2026, the UN’s maritime agency (IMO) launched a massive rescue mission. Following a war between the US, Israel, and Iran, over 11,000 sailors were left stranded in the Persian Gulf. At the conflict’s peak, around 20,000 sailors were trapped on ships, and tragically, 14 lost their lives.

Now, through quiet diplomacy and cooperation between rival nations, a massive plan is underway to guide these civilian crews safely back home.

2 · Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow ocean bottleneck connecting the Persian Gulf to the open sea. At just 39 km wide, it is the world’s most important pathway for oil. Ships cross through the waters of Iran and Oman using an international law called the Right of Transit Passage.

The Institution
IMO — The UN’s Ocean Watchdog
Based in London, the IMO sets global rules for ocean safety and pollution to protect both sailors and the environment.
The Mechanism
Temporary Safe Paths
Because parts of the Strait were mined during the war, the old shipping lanes are unsafe. Two new, temporary “safe corridors” were created to guide ships out.
The Stakes
20% of the World’s Oil
A fifth of global oil passes through here. Any blockage makes oil expensive everywhere, directly hurting India’s economy.
India’s Response
Navy Protection
The Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp and the newer Operation Urja Suraksha to act as bodyguards for Indian oil ships.

  • Why India is deeply affected: We buy over 60% of our oil from the Gulf. More importantly, nearly 10% of all sailors worldwide are Indian, meaning many of the trapped crew are our citizens.
  • The rules of the sea: Under global law (UNCLOS), ships have the right to pass through international straits without being stopped, as long as they keep moving safely.
  • Keeping watch: India’s Navy tracks ocean threats from a high-tech intelligence hub in Gurugram, helping merchant ships avoid danger zones.

UPSC Revision Box
IMO International Maritime Organization; the UN agency for shipping safety.
SOLAS & MARPOL Global treaties that ensure ship safety (SOLAS) and prevent ocean pollution (MARPOL).
UNCLOS (1982) The “constitution of the oceans”; international laws governing sea rights.
Transit Passage The legal right for ships to cross narrow straits quickly without interference.
Operation Sankalp Indian Navy mission (started 2019) to safely escort Indian ships through the Gulf.
Operation Urja Suraksha A specific 2026 Navy mission to protect India’s oil and gas shipments after the war.
IFC-IOR An Indian Navy intelligence center in Gurugram that shares real-time threat alerts.

Test Your Knowledge
Q. With reference to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and maritime law, consider the following statements:

  1. The IMO is a UN agency based in London that sets global safety and environmental rules for ships.
  2. Under the Right of Transit Passage, ships moving through international straits must do so continuously without stopping.
  3. The IMO’s evacuation plan is a binding, forced law that overrides the local laws of coastal countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

  • Statement 1 — Correct: The IMO is indeed the UN’s specialized agency for shipping, based in London.
  • Statement 2 — Correct: To use international straits, ships must follow the rule of “continuous and expeditious” passage—meaning they can’t stop or anchor unless it’s an emergency.
  • Statement 3 — Incorrect: This is the trap! The IMO’s evacuation plan is completely voluntary. It relies on teamwork and permission from local countries; it cannot force a country to ignore its own borders.
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