Evian

The deaths of three Indian sailors in a recent military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman figured prominently during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted concerns over the safety of maritime workers operating in conflict-prone regions and called for stronger measures to protect civilian seafarers from becoming casualties of geopolitical tensions.

Responding to the issue, President Trump acknowledged the incident and noted the challenges faced by those working in the maritime sector.

“I heard about that. It's a difficult profession, and we continue to work together on these matters. Such incidents have occurred throughout history, but we value these people and appreciate their contribution,” Trump said.

The discussion followed the recent attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. The vessel, carrying 24 Indian nationals, was struck during a US military operation in the Gulf region. Twenty-one crew members were rescued, while three lost their lives.

Maritime security and the protection of Indian sailors remained a key focus of the bilateral engagement. Modi stressed the importance of ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping and safeguarding those employed in the global maritime industry.

Pointing to the large number of Indians working as seafarers across international waters, the Prime Minister said their welfare and security remain a matter of national concern.

He also underlined the strategic importance of keeping major shipping routes operational, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical artery for global trade and energy supplies.

“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for the global economy,” Modi said, expressing hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region would help create a safer environment for commercial shipping and maritime personnel.

Addressing leaders during the G7 outreach session a day earlier, Modi had also drawn attention to the growing risks faced by civilian sailors amid regional instability. He noted that several Indian nationals had lost their lives in recent maritime incidents and stressed that ensuring the safety of seafarers is a shared international responsibility.

The Prime Minister urged the global community to work collectively to maintain secure sea lanes and ensure that commercial crews can perform their duties without fear of becoming victims of armed conflict.

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The deaths of the three Indian sailors have prompted strong concern in India, with the government lodging a formal protest and calling for greater protection of civilian shipping and maritime workers operating in sensitive regions.