Why does India rely heavily on sea routes for international trade? Mention any two reasons.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:34 · grounding rag
Model Answer
India relies heavily on sea routes for international trade due to the following reasons:
- Cheapest mode of transport: Waterways are the cheapest means of transport and most suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods over long distances, making them ideal for large-scale international trade.
- High volume of trade handled: 95 per cent of India's trade volume (68 per cent in terms of value) is moved by sea, as India has a long coastline with several well-developed ports that facilitate large-scale import and export of goods.
Additionally, sea transport is fuel-efficient and environment friendly, making it a preferred choice for international trade.
Source: Waterways & International Trade, Chapter 7
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Explanation
- The key stat examiners love: "95% of trade volume and 68% by value" — write this; it shows you've read the text carefully.
- Two clear, labelled reasons are required. Don't just list vague points — link each reason to why it suits international trade.
- The third point (fuel-efficient/eco-friendly) is a bonus; stick to two if pressed for time.
- Avoid writing about inland waterways here — the question is specifically about international trade via sea routes.