Modi flags deaths of Indian seafarers in US strike, calls for secure sea routes at G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday raised the issue of the deaths of Indian seafarers in a US military strike while addressing G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump. The prime minister highlighted the human impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and called for safeguarding key maritime trade routes.

His remarks came days after three Indian nationals were killed when US forces struck the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman.

Also read | India registers fresh protest, summons US diplomat over seafarers’ deaths

The prime minister, addressing an outreach session of the G7 summit in France’s Evian, said India firmly believes lasting solutions to conflicts can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation.

Modi stresses maritime security

“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have adversely affected the global economy,” the PM said.

“Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives. The safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their work without fear,” he added.

Modi’s comments on underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers came against the backdrop of growing anger in India over the killing of the three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman last week.

The US Central Command said it initiated action to disable the three vessels – Marivex on June 8, Settebello on June 9 and Jalveer on June 11, saying they were trying to violate the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Modi raised the issue a day ahead of his bilateral talks with the US president.

Building trust among nations

In his address, Modi, delving into geopolitical upheavals and developments, stressed the need for "trust" among countries. He argued that the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technology, or markets today, but mutual trust.

The prime minister said that in an interconnected world, where energy, food, health, cyber, and economic security are intertwined, building international partnerships was a necessity for the progress and prosperity of humanity.

He noted that trade and technology were being misused for narrow interests, leading to a trust deficit in the international arena.

"Today's world is more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. A nation's energy, food, health, and cyber security, as well as its economic prosperity, are not determined solely within its own borders. Mobility, data, capital, and technology all connect us," he said.

"In such times, the importance of partnerships naturally grows. However, partnerships succeed only when trust lies at their core," he said.

Global South seeks partnership

Modi also flagged the concerns of the countries of the Global South and said they aspire to be partners in global development.

Also read | Govt puts maritime agencies on high alert after MT Settebello attack

"Today, the Global South has high expectations of the global community. However, what they seek is not merely support, but partnership. They aspire to be partners in global development, not just beneficiaries," he said.

"We must move beyond the donor-recipient mindset and work as equal partners. We should walk together, side by side. Partnership must be rooted in dignity, not dependency." "Through these efforts, we will lay a strong foundation for sustainable development for future generations," Modi said.

Sharing India’s approach to international cooperation, Modi stated that India has always followed the principle of "humanity first", and this thought continues to be at the centre of its efforts.

(With agency inputs)