Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the G7 Summit platform to send a strong message on maritime security following the deaths of three Indian sailors in a US strike on a merchant vessel near the Gulf of Oman. Speaking in the presence of US President Donald Trump, Modi stressed that global sea routes must remain safe and that seafarers should be able to perform their duties “without fear.” His remarks were widely seen as a direct reference to the recent incident that claimed the lives of Indian crew members.
The Prime Minister emphasized that trust and cooperation among nations are essential for maintaining peace and stability in international waters. India has already conveyed its concerns to the United States over the attacks on commercial vessels and has called for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further loss of life. The Indian government has maintained that the use of force against civilian shipping is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to global maritime commerce.
The deaths of the three Indian sailors have sparked political debate in India, with opposition parties urging the government to take a tougher stance with Washington. The issue also figured prominently ahead of Modi’s bilateral interactions with Trump at the G7 Summit. While the US has defended its actions, India has continued to press for the protection of civilian ships and the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers working across international shipping routes.