The Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Gibraltar are important because they

The Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Gibraltar are classified as maritime chokepoints, which are narrow, strategic passageways where global shipping routes concentrate [6]. These locations are vital because they control access to essential trade routes and facilitate a significant portion of international commerce [1]. For instance, the Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 21% of global petroleum consumption, while the Suez Canal serves as a critical gateway between Europe and the Indian Ocean, significantly reducing travel time compared to the Cape of Good Hope route [3]. Disruptions at these points, such as the 2021 Suez Canal blockage, demonstrate their systemic importance to global economic security and trade flows [6]. Consequently, their primary significance lies in their ability to control and facilitate access to vital international trade routes rather than preventing attacks or managing nuclear transit [5].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > INDIA AND THE GEO-POLITICS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN > p. 64
2. [6] https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/regions-topics.php?RegionTopicID=WOTC
3. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > The Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route > p. 62
4. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Transport and Communication > The Suez Canal > p. 63
5. [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772424722000336