📍 Bab-el-Mandeb — the strategic “Gate of Tears” connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean.
Why important for UPSC? 🎯
🔹 Lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa
🔹 Perim (Mayyun) Island divides the strait into two channels
🔹 Critical maritime chokepoint for Asia–Europe trade
🔹 Closely linked with the Suez Canal–Red Sea shipping route
🔹 Regional tensions can impact global shipping & energy flows
🗺️ Map Tip:
Mediterranean Sea → Suez Canal → Red Sea → Bab-el-Mandeb → Gulf of Aden → Indian Ocean
📌 Important for UPSC Prelims 2027 | Geography | IR | Places in News