Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the safety of Indian seafarers during the G7 Outreach Session in Evian, France, while seated alongside US President Donald Trump. He expressed concern over the loss of Indian lives during the recent conflict in West Asia and called for secure maritime trade routes.
Addressing the session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” Modi said the conflict had caused significant human and economic losses across the region. He noted that disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had affected the global economy and confirmed that several Indian civilians had lost their lives.
His remarks came days after three Indian nationals were killed when US forces reportedly attacked the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. According to the US Central Command, operations were carried out against three vessels with Indian crew members — MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MT Jalveer — over allegations linked to Iranian oil transport.
Modi stressed that ensuring the safety of seafarers is a shared global responsibility. He urged nations to keep sea routes secure so that maritime workers can perform their duties without fear.
The Prime Minister also said that countries of the Global South are seeking equal partnerships rather than aid. He called for international cooperation based on dignity, trust, and shared responsibility instead of traditional donor-recipient relationships.
Highlighting a growing trust deficit in global affairs, Modi said mutual trust has become the world’s most valuable strategic asset. He reiterated that dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation remain the best ways to resolve global conflicts.
Earlier, Modi and Trump briefly interacted after the traditional G7 group photograph, marking their first in-person meeting since Modi’s visit to Washington in February last year.