Between India and East Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? [2011]

Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Opening a new canal across the Kra Isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

Deepening it may allow larger ships to pass, but it does not reduce the navigation time or distance between India and East Asia.
Strait of Malacca carries around 25% of the world’s traded goods.

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting maritime regions including Sumatra, Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding seas such as Andaman Sea, Java Sea, and South China Sea. Key elements include labeled straits, islands, and cities with Malacca and Sunda Strait.

Statement 2 is correct

The Kra Isthmus in Thailand links the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. A canal across it would let ships bypass the congested Malacca Strait, significantly shortening the route between India and East Asia.
- Isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger landmasses. It is often bordered by bodies of water on two sides. E.g. Isthmus of Panama.

Political map of Southeast Asia highlighting countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia with major cities, seas, and straits labeled. Key features include red box around southern Myanmar and western Thailand.