UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Can neutral ships be lawfully attacked?

Q1. In June 2026, the US Navy's missile strikes on merchant tankers carrying Indian crew off the Oman coast (in the Strait of Hormuz theatre) killed how many Indian seafarers?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Five
  • D. Twenty-four

Q2. With reference to the protection of neutral merchant vessels under the San Remo Manual, 1994, consider the following statements: 1. A vessel flying the flag of a neutral State is treated as prima facie evidence of its neutral character. 2. Unlike an enemy merchant vessel, a neutral merchant vessel may be attacked merely on a reasonable suspicion of carrying contraband, even without any prior warning. 3. A neutral merchant vessel that, after prior warning, intentionally and clearly resists visit, search or capture may lose its protection from attack. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A vessel flying the flag of a neutral State is treated as prima facie evidence of its neutral character.
  2. Unlike an enemy merchant vessel, a neutral merchant vessel may be attacked merely on a reasonable suspicion of carrying contraband, even without any prior warning.
  3. A neutral merchant vessel that, after prior warning, intentionally and clearly resists visit, search or capture may lose its protection from attack.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The rules governing when a neutral merchant vessel may be lawfully attacked are most authoritatively restated in which of the following instruments?

  • A. Hague Convention XIII of 1907
  • B. Declaration of Paris Respecting Maritime Law, 1856
  • C. San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea, 1994
  • D. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982

Q4. Under the San Remo Manual, 1994, a merchant vessel flying the flag of a neutral State may become liable to attack in which of the following circumstances? 1. It acts as an auxiliary to the enemy's armed forces. 2. It is incorporated into or otherwise assists the enemy's intelligence system. 3. It sails under the convoy of enemy warships. 4. It is owned by a national of an enemy State, though carrying no cargo and committing no hostile act. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It acts as an auxiliary to the enemy's armed forces.
  2. It is incorporated into or otherwise assists the enemy's intelligence system.
  3. It sails under the convoy of enemy warships.
  4. It is owned by a national of an enemy State, though carrying no cargo and committing no hostile act.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. In the law of naval warfare, the term 'contraband' is best defined as which one of the following?

  • A. Goods ultimately destined for an enemy that may be used in armed conflict and are therefore liable to capture by a belligerent
  • B. The act of a neutral vessel passing through a lawfully declared and effective blockade
  • C. Any cargo whatsoever carried aboard a vessel flying a neutral flag
  • D. The forcible boarding and inspection of a merchant vessel by a belligerent warship on the high seas
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