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5 September 2026

Tommy Koh on UNCLOS

UNCLOS is a foundational international treaty directly relevant to India's maritime security, the South China Sea disputes, and the 'Blue Economy', making it a standard topic for GS2 international relations questions.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) is widely regarded as the 'constitution of the oceans'.
  • Tommy Koh served as the president of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III).
  • UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and currently has 172 state parties.
  • The U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS, though it recognizes the convention as authoritative international law.
  • Part XI of UNCLOS defines the deep seabed as the 'common heritage of mankind'.
  • Transit passage rights for warships and submarines are considered part of customary international law, binding even on non-signatory states like Iran.
  • The 'dark fleet' phenomenon in international waters is identified as a significant challenge for the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of UNCLOS as the 'constitution of the oceans' in maintaining maritime order and resolving contemporary geopolitical disputes. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The principle of 'common heritage of mankind' under UNCLOS has faced challenges regarding seabed mining and resource exploitation. Analyze the role of international legal frameworks in balancing national economic interests with global maritime governance. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the status of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in international law?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-05/tommy-koh-on-unclos