The deaths of Indian seafarers amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region took center stage at the G7 Summit in France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi called maritime security a shared international responsibility. Addressing world leaders during a high-level outreach session in Evian on Tuesday, Modi emphasized that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have not only claimed lives but also affected the global economy.

Maritime Safety Takes Global Stage

Speaking at the session themed “Forging New Partnerships and Renewing International Solidarity,” Modi said that Indian citizens had lost their lives in the recent conflict-linked incidents in the Gulf region. He stressed that seafarers play a vital role in connecting countries through international trade and deserve greater protection.

“We welcome the progress towards peace in West Asia. The conflict has resulted in the loss of life and property in friendly nations, while disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have negatively impacted the global economy,” Modi said.

The remarks come days after three Indian sailors were confirmed dead following a strike-linked incident in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns over the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers working across international shipping routes.

Modi-Trump Meeting Draws Attention

US President Donald Trump attended the same session and was seated alongside Prime Minister Modi. Before the meeting began, Trump stood up to greet the Indian leader, and the two exchanged a handshake before holding a brief conversation.

According to reports, both leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focusing on trade, investment, tariffs, and strategic cooperation. The meeting is being closely watched as India and the United States seek to strengthen ties despite recent disagreements over trade policies and visa regulations.

Focus on Trust and Global Partnerships

During his address, Modi underlined the importance of trust in international relations. He told world leaders that although the world is more interconnected than ever, partnerships can only succeed when they are built on mutual confidence.

He said that the world currently faces a deficit of trust rather than a shortage of resources. Referring to India's diplomatic philosophy, Modi reiterated the country's belief in the concept of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" and argued that development partnerships should empower nations rather than create dependencies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the aspirations of the Global South, stating that developing nations seek genuine partnerships and equal participation in global decision-making rather than temporary assistance.

Significance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in the region has immediate consequences for energy markets, shipping costs, and international trade.

For India, which imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements from the Gulf, stability in the region is of strategic importance. The safety of Indian seafarers working aboard merchant vessels has also emerged as a major concern amid continuing geopolitical tensions.

India's Expanding Global Role

Although India is not a member of the G7, it has been invited as a guest nation due to its growing economic and geopolitical influence. This year's summit marks Prime Minister Modi's seventh participation in the forum.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi also met leaders from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, South Korea, Japan, and Italy, discussing issues ranging from economic cooperation to regional security.