Évian, France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the deaths of Indian sailors in a recent US military strike while addressing world leaders at the G7 Summit, emphasizing the need to protect global maritime routes and ensure the safety of seafarers amid rising tensions in West Asia. His remarks came in the presence of US President Donald Trump and other G7 leaders during a session focused on rebuilding international solidarity and partnerships.
Highlighting the impact of instability in the Strait of Hormuz, Modi said disruptions to maritime trade have affected both regional economies and the global economic system. He welcomed recent progress toward peace in West Asia but stressed that the conflict had resulted in the loss of lives and property in several friendly countries.
The Prime Minister specifically referred to the deaths of Indian civilians, noting that seafarers play a vital role in connecting nations through global trade. He said ensuring their safety is a collective responsibility and called for secure sea lanes that allow maritime workers to carry out their duties without fear.
Modi’s comments followed a recent incident in which three Indian sailors lost their lives after a US military strike targeted the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello near the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, carrying a multinational crew that included 24 Indians, was reportedly struck during operations linked to the enforcement of a US blockade on Iranian oil shipments. The incident triggered strong reactions in India and prompted New Delhi to seek answers from Washington.
The issue has become a significant diplomatic concern for India, which has called for an end to attacks on commercial vessels and stressed the importance of freedom of navigation. Maritime security has gained urgency as tensions in West Asia have threatened shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy and trade corridors.
Modi’s intervention at the summit was widely seen as a signal that India intends to keep the safety of its citizens and seafarers high on the international agenda. The Prime Minister also reiterated that trust, dialogue and cooperation are essential for addressing global challenges and maintaining stability in critical maritime regions.
The remarks came ahead of discussions between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the summit, where issues including trade, maritime security and developments in West Asia were expected to feature prominently. The deaths of the Indian sailors have added a sensitive dimension to bilateral discussions between the two countries.
