India, May 2 -- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes distinct regimes for navigation through straits vital to global trade. Articles 37-44 govern transit passage in straits connecting high seas or exclusive economic zones, granting ships and aircraft the right to continuous and expeditious passage without impediment from coastal states. This non-suspendable regime applies to critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, superseding innocent passage where territorial seas overlap.

In contrast, Articles 19-22 define innocent passage through territorial seas, permitting navigation that is not prejudicial to the coastal state's peace, good order, or security. Passage must be continuous ...