29 June 2026

Legality of attacks on neutral ships

The topic provides conceptual context for international maritime law and security challenges relevant to global trade, which can be used to enrich answers on international relations or security, but it lacks a direct Indian dimension or specific policy event to warrant a higher score.

Questions

1. Examine the legal framework governing the protection of neutral merchant vessels during international armed conflicts at sea. How does the principle of 'military objective' limit the scope of naval attacks? 150 words
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2. Discuss the interplay between the 'law of naval warfare' and the UN Charter in the context of enforcing maritime blockades. To what extent does the doctrine of diplomatic protection provide a remedy for states whose nationals are affected by naval hostilities? 250 words
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Prelims

1. Which of the following documents is considered the most influential restatement of the international law applicable to armed conflicts at sea?

   1. A Geneva Convention of 1949
   2. B United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
   3. C San Remo Manual (1994)
   4. D Helsinki Principles on the Law of Maritime Neutrality

2. Under international law, what is a mandatory requirement for a naval blockade to be considered lawful?

   1. A It must be restricted to the territorial waters of the belligerent state
   2. B It must be approved by the International Court of Justice
   3. C It must be applied only to enemy vessels
   4. D It must be publicly declared, impartial, and effective