Published: May 11, 2026, 21:23 IST | Updated: May 11, 2026, 21:23 IST
From the Strait of Hormuz to the Malacca Strait, a handful of narrow sea passages quietly control global trade, energy supplies and military movement. Nearly every major economy depends on these chokepoints for oil, gas and cargo shipments. Any disruption — whether conflict, piracy or accidents — can shake world markets overnight. This report explores eight of the world’s most strategic straits and why they remain crucial to global commerce and geopolitics.