International Relations · 22 Jul 2026

freedom of navigation UNCLOS

With reference to "freedom of navigation" on the high seas, which one of the following statements is correct?

AIt is a principle protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

BIt applies only to vessels flagged to nations that are permanent members of the UN Security Council

CIt grants coastal states the right to board and inspect any foreign merchant vessel transiting their exclusive economic zone

DIt was first codified through a bilateral treaty between India and Guinea-Bissau

This question is based on: Four Dead on a Neutral Ship: What the Golden Leo Attack Reveals About India's Uninsured Diaspora

Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 22 Jul 2026

About this question

Why in news

Four Indian sailors were killed when a Russian missile struck the Turkish-owned, Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel MV Golden Leo shortly after it departed Odesa, prompting the MEA to invoke freedom of navigation in its response.

Why for UPSC

UPSC frequently tests foundational UNCLOS principles through current maritime security events, checking whether aspirants can correctly identify the legal instrument behind a familiar current-affairs phrase.

Prelims summary

Freedom of navigation on the high seas is a core UNCLOS principle, applicable universally regardless of a vessel's flag state or the nationality of its crew.

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