Question 28 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Internatio nal Relations

Question

With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, consider the following statements:
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from the baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: - Examine each statement by matching the provided figures ('12 nautical miles', 'innocent passage', '200 nautical miles') with standard UNCLOS provisions.
- Confirm that all three statements align with well-known clauses regarding maritime zones and transit rights, validating the 'all correct' selection through cross-referencing established Convention limits and rights.

Key Info: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, is the principal international treaty defining states' rights and responsibilities regarding ocean use and maritime boundaries.

- **Territorial Sea**: Coastal states have sovereignty extending up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline (usually the low-water line along the coast), as per Article 3 of UNCLOS.
- **Right of Innocent Passage**: Article 17 ensures that ships of all states, including land-locked countries, may traverse the territorial sea if passage is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state.
- **Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)**: Article 57 stipulates that an EEZ may not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Coastal states have rights for resource exploration and exploitation within this zone but not full sovereignty, as in territorial seas.

Baselines are crucial for determining every maritime zone's reach. Innocent passage does not grant military or resource rights within the territorial sea; such passage must conform to the laws established by the coastal state in line with the Convention. UNCLOS is the foundation for international maritime dispute settlement and for the rights of land-locked states to access the sea. India ratified UNCLOS in 1995 and reflects its provisions in its national maritime laws.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only