Seated next to Trump, PM Modi raises ship attacks, says must protect seafarers
Modi Advocates for Maritime Safety During G7 Summit, Addresses US Strike on Indian Vessel
Seated next to Trump PM Modi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for global cooperation to ensure maritime security during a session at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, where he sat alongside US President Donald Trump. His remarks followed a US military strike that killed three Indian sailors in waters off Oman, drawing attention to the risks faced by seafarers in international waters.
Global Solidarity and Strategic Partnerships
Modi participated in an outreach event at the G7 Summit, focusing on "Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity." The session, held two days after the US and Iran reached a peace accord, included India and four other nations as invited partner countries.
"The safety of seafarers, who serve as vital links in global trade, is a shared responsibility. We must guarantee that sea lanes remain secure and that crews can perform their duties without fear," Modi stated during the session.
He emphasized India's commitment to collaborating with all allies on maritime issues, adding that the nation is ready to contribute to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Impact of Regional Conflicts on Global Trade
Modi acknowledged the disruption caused by ongoing hostilities in West Asia, noting that the conflict has led to the loss of lives and property in allied countries. He also pointed out the economic strain from attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected global commerce.
During their first in-person meeting since February 2025, Modi and Trump exchanged brief remarks ahead of a bilateral session. The leaders discussed the broader implications of the recent US strike on the merchant vessel MT Settebello, which occurred last week.
The attack on the MT Settebello, reportedly carried out by a US aircraft, resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The US Navy targeted three merchant ships near Oman's coast, citing evasion of an American blockade as the reason. This prompted the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to protest formally with the US, summoning its top diplomat in Delhi twice. During a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the issue was also raised, though the US has not expressed regret for the incident.
Building Trust in a Connected World
Modi stressed that trust is essential for international partnerships, particularly in an era of heightened global interdependence. He noted that energy, food, and cybersecurity challenges transcend borders, underscoring the need for collaborative solutions.
"In such times, partnerships thrive only when trust is their foundation. The most valuable strategic asset today is not resources, but mutual trust," Modi said, citing the importance of maintaining reliability in the new global order.
He invoked former US president Ronald Reagan’s quote, "Trust, but verify," to emphasize the necessity of safeguarding international agreements. Modi also pointed to the erosion of trust since the pandemic, which exposed gaps in solidarity during crises.
India-US Relations and Tariff Disputes
Although Modi did not explicitly name any country, his comments occurred amid growing tensions in India-US relations. The previous year had seen significant strain due to Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports, which Modi and his administration have since sought to address.
Following a breakthrough in February, both nations are now working on a bilateral trade agreement to resolve disputes, including tariff adjustments. This effort reflects a renewed focus on strengthening economic ties amid regional challenges.