‘Several Indians also lost their lives’: PM Modi flags maritime concerns at G7 summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for safe shipping routes and protection of seafarers, telling G7 leaders that conflicts in West Asia have disrupted global trade and caused loss of life, days after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike in the Gulf of Oman.

Addressing an awareness session of the G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi said India firmly believes that lasting solutions to conflicts can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation.

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Modi’s remarks on the need to protect sailors come amid growing anger in India over the deaths of the three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman last week.

He raised the issue a day before his bilateral talks with the US president.

“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of lives and property in our friendly countries in the region,” Modi said during the session titled ‘Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity’.

Referring to the impact of the conflict on global trade, he said disruptions to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz had hurt the global economy.

“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of lives and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives,” he added.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and seafarers can carry out their duties without fear,” he said.

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In his speech, Modi also highlighted the importance of trust in international relations, saying that mutual trust between nations had become a more valuable strategic asset than minerals, technology or markets.

He said that in an increasingly interconnected world, where energy, food, health, cybersecurity and economic security are closely linked, stronger international partnerships are essential to humanity’s progress and prosperity.

Warning that trade and technology were being used to pursue narrow interests, Modi said such practices had contributed to a growing trust deficit in the international system.

“Today’s world is more interconnected and interdependent than ever. A country’s energy, food, health and cybersecurity, and its economic prosperity, are not determined solely within its own borders. Mobility, data, capital and technology connect us all,” he said.

“In such times, the importance of partnerships naturally increases. However, partnerships are only successful when trust is at the core of their foundations,” he added.

The Prime Minister explained why trust is essential for global development and prosperity.

“Confidence that technology and supply chains will be used for global good rather than as weapons. Confidence that development opportunities will not be limited to a few countries. Confidence that global institutions will be able to meet the aspirations of all nations,” he said.

“India’s experience demonstrates that development is most effective when it is aligned with people’s aspirations,” he added.

Modi traveled to France for the G7 summit after concluding a two-day visit to Slovakia. India was invited to attend the summit as a guest country.

The Group of Seven (G7) includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union is also a member of the bloc.

The forum serves as a platform for its members to discuss and coordinate responses to the major economic, financial and geopolitical challenges facing the world.