Maritime routes must remain secure for seafarers: PM Modi at G7, a day ahead of meeting with Trump

Business To Business, New Delhi, 16^th June, 2026:     Narendra Modi on Tuesday used the G7 Summit platform to call for the protection of global maritime routes and the safety of seafarers, days after three Indian mariners were killed in a US military strike near the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing an outreach session attended by leaders including Donald Trump, Modi said that all countries must ensure that shipping lanes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear. He also noted that disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have adversely affected the global economy and that Indian citizens have lost their lives in the crisis.
Modi's remarks came amid growing concern in India following the deaths of three Indian crew members aboard the tanker MT Settebello, which was struck during US military operations in the Gulf of Oman. Twenty-one other Indian crew members were rescued. The incident prompted India to lodge a strong protest and call for de-escalation in the region.
India has consistently emphasized:

• Freedom and safety of maritime navigation.
• Protection of civilian shipping.
• Security of seafarers working in conflict-prone waters.
• Diplomatic resolution of regional conflicts.

• Global energy markets.
• International trade.
• Shipping costs.
• Supply chains worldwide.