PM Modi flags seafarer safety at G7, calls for secure maritime routes amid Hormuz tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers and the broader risks to global maritime trade while addressing G7 leaders in France’s Evian.
The session was attended by leaders of major economies, including US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the discussion on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” Modi highlighted the human cost of escalating disruptions in key shipping lanes.
G7 Leaders posed for the camera ahead of the Summit's proceedings. Photo: X/Narendra Modi
Stress on impact of Strait of Hormuz disruptions
The Prime Minister underscored that instability in the Strait of Hormuz has had a direct impact on global economic activity.
“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,” he said.
The interactions with world leaders continue at the G7 Summit in Evian.@G7 pic.twitter.com/ZOrAaffrcX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026
Modi added that safeguarding sea routes is a collective responsibility of the international community, stressing that maritime workers should be able to operate without fear or threat.
Reference to Indian casualties in recent incident
While not naming any specific incident, the Prime Minister said that Indian civilians had lost their lives in recent developments linked to maritime tensions.
His remarks come days after three Indian nationals were killed in a US military strike on the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, according to official reports.
Settebello incident deepens maritime security concerns
The vessel Settebello reportedly had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians. Of these, 21 were rescued while three died following the strike.
The US side stated the action was taken after the ship allegedly failed to comply with instructions during enforcement of a blockade related to Iranian oil shipments.
The incident is one of multiple recent strikes on commercial vessels in the region, raising concerns in India over the safety of its large global seafaring workforce.
Growing focus on shipping lane security
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to international waters, remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Recent tensions in the region have intensified fears over disruptions to global energy supplies and commercial shipping routes.
Against this backdrop, Modi’s remarks at the G7 were widely seen as a call for coordinated international action to stabilise maritime security and protect civilian lives at sea.
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