Relevance: GS II (International Relations) | Source: The Hindu

1. What is the News?

Despite political promises of “peace,” 2025-26 has seen a massive jump in US military actions. According to global data (ACLED), US external attacks (airstrikes and raids) have reached a 15-year high. This aggressive new style of foreign policy is being called the “Donroe Doctrine.”

2. Where is the US Intervening?

  • West Asia (Yemen & Iran): The US has launched major strikes in Yemen to protect shipping lanes in the Red Sea and has hit military targets in Iran.
  • Latin America (Venezuela): In a shocking move, US troops entered Caracas, Venezuela, in early 2026—the biggest US intervention in the region in over 30 years.
  • East Africa (Somalia): Frequent drone strikes continue against local militant groups like al-Shabab.

3. Why it Matters for India?

  • The Energy Threat: India gets most of its cooking gas (LPG) and oil from the Gulf. When the US strikes Iran or Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz becomes a war zone.
  • Inflation: If this sea route is blocked, India’s energy prices will skyrocket, making everything from petrol to kitchen fuel more expensive for the common man.
  • Trade Routes: The Red Sea conflict makes it dangerous for Indian ships to send goods to Europe, leading to higher shipping costs and delays.

The “UPSC Trap”

  • The “Terminology” Trap: Don’t confuse “Coercive Diplomacy” with a full-scale war. It means using limited force or threats to make another country obey.
  • The “Doctrine” Trap: The Monroe Doctrine (1823) was about keeping Europe out of America. The Donroe Doctrine (2026) is about the US actively going into other countries to remove leaders or protect interests.

UPSC Value Box

Key Concept Simple Meaning
Strait of Hormuz A tiny “neck” of water that connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea. 90% of India’s LPG imports pass through here.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) Massive underground oil tanks built by India to keep the country running if global supplies are cut off during wars.

With reference to recent global conflicts and India’s energy security, consider the following statements:

  1. The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ is a policy of non-interference adopted by the United States in the Middle East.
  2. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
  3. India is a net exporter of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and remains unaffected by conflicts in West Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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