Between India and east Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
- Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Opening a new canal across the kra isthmus between the gulf of Siam and Andaman sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Malacca Strait:
- Location and Significance:
- The Malacca Strait is a narrow waterway located between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is a crucial shipping channel, serving as a strategic waterway between Indonesia and Malaysia. It is also one of the primary routes connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The majority of Chinese imports pass through this waterway, making it of great economic importance.
- India’s strategic advantage:
- India has a natural advantage in the Indian Ocean, with basing capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the mouth of the strait. This strategic location allows the Indian Navy to cut off the Malacca Strait in case of a crisis or war with China. Hence, it is a significant advantage for India.
- Broadening of the Malacca Strait:
- Contrary to statement 1, the Malacca Strait does not need deepening, but rather broadening between Malaysia and Indonesia. Doing so would reduce navigation time and distance, making it more efficient for shipping.
Kra Isthmus:
- Location and Significance:
- The Kra Isthmus is the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula. It is bordered by the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The opening of a new canal across the Kra Isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and the Andaman Sea can reduce navigation time and distance, making it an economically significant waterway.
- Accuracy of Statement 2:
- Statement 2 is correct, as a new canal across the Kra Isthmus would indeed reduce navigation time and distance, making it a more efficient route for shipping.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
