TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 193

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 193

1. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for India beyond the issue of oil prices?

Answer: The Strait of Hormuz is important for India in three ways—energy security, maritime trade and the safety of Indian citizens. The supplied NBT summary reports that five Indians aboard the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III were safely evacuated after it was struck by a projectile, with the Indian Embassy in Oman coordinating with local authorities. Contemporary reporting confirms the rescue and continuing risks to commercial shipping. India therefore needs diversified energy sources, maritime-domain awareness and strong consular preparedness. A distant maritime crisis can quickly become an Indian economic, diplomatic and human-security issue.

2. Should India focus on fighter-aircraft numbers or technological superiority while modernising the IAF?

Answer: India needs both. The Air Chief has said that the IAF needs roughly 36–40 fighter aircraft annually to address declining squadron strength and eventually move towards the sanctioned 42 squadrons. This concern is also reflected in current reporting. However, modern air power cannot be measured only by aircraft numbers. Stealth, sensors, electronic warfare, long-range missiles, networking and surveillance are equally important. India should therefore meet immediate capability gaps while accelerating Tejas, AMCA, Astra and related indigenous programmes. Strategic autonomy requires not merely buying military platforms, but developing the technological ecosystem needed to sustain them.