TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 182

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 182

1. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for India's national security?

Answer: The Strait of Hormuz is not only an energy route; for India, it is an economic-security issue. Instability there can increase crude-oil prices, shipping charges and insurance costs, which can eventually raise inflation in India. The current Iran-U.S. tensions show how regional conflict can quickly affect global markets. India should therefore support diplomatic de-escalation while diversifying energy suppliers, strengthening strategic petroleum reserves and developing alternative transport and energy sources. In my view, energy security means having alternatives during a crisis, rather than merely having adequate supplies during normal times.

2. Can the United Nations remain relevant when it struggles to resolve major international conflicts?

Answer: Yes, but the UN needs reform. Today's challenges—wars, climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence and nuclear risks—cannot be handled effectively by individual countries acting alone. At the same time, the present international institutional structure largely reflects the power distribution after the Second World War. The solution is therefore not to abandon multilateralism but to make it more representative and effective. India has consistently supported such “reformed multilateralism”. A stronger voice for emerging economies and the Global South can improve legitimacy. The weakness of existing multilateralism is an argument for reforming cooperation, not for giving up cooperation altogether.