New Delhi/Evian (France), June 17 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for ensuring the safety of seafarers and securing global maritime trade routes while addressing the Outreach Session on Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity at the G7 Summit in Evian, France.

Highlighting the impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia, Modi said disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have adversely affected the global economy and stressed the need to keep sea routes secure.

“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,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the human cost of the conflict, Modi said several Indian civilians had also lost their lives and emphasized that protecting seafarers was a shared international responsibility.

“The safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their work without fear,” he said.

The Prime Minister's remarks came days after three Indian seafarers lost their lives in a strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman. India had subsequently expressed concern over the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers operating in the region.

PM Modi made the remarks before leaders of G7 nations and partner countries participating in the summit. The session focused on strengthening international partnerships and rebuilding global solidarity amid emerging geopolitical and economic challenges.

India is attending the G7 Summit as an invited partner country. Prime Minister Modi has been holding a series of engagements with world leaders on issues relating to global growth, security, sustainability and international cooperation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar