'Lakhs of Indians working as seafarers': PM Modi raises maritime safety in meeting with Trump

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised the issue of maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers during his bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, underlining the importance of keeping global shipping routes open. PM Modi said that "lakhs of Indians are working as seafarers" and stressed that their safety remains a key priority amid ongoing developments in West Asia. "Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy," PM Modi said, adding that he was confident the safety of seafarers would be given priority under the peace understanding between the United States and Iran. During the meeting, PM Modi also congratulated Trump for his role in the recent peace efforts in West Asia. "I commend you for your leadership on the progress that has been made in the efforts to restore peace in West Asia," he told the US President. "Thank you for rekindling hope for bringing peace to West Asia," PM Modi said during the talks. Trump told reporters at the G7 Summit that he had a "very good" conversation with PM Modi and said the two countries were working on trade deals. The meeting marked the first formal bilateral interaction between the two leaders in over 16 months and came amid efforts by both sides to stabilise ties after a period of friction. PM Modi said the two countries' teams had been working closely to achieve their shared targets and highlighted a "new speed and energy" in India-US relations. The talks come as both countries continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The engagement is also taking place against the backdrop of shifting energy dynamics following the US-Iran peace efforts and the expected reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime security emerges as key concern Maritime safety was a significant focus during the talks, with PM Modi highlighting the importance of protecting commercial shipping routes and ensuring the security of seafarers. The issue holds importance for India after three Indian sailors were killed earlier this month during US military strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. When asked about the deaths of Indian sailors in recent US strikes, Trump expressed condolences. "I heard about that. It's a rough profession, there's no question about it. And we work together on it. This has been happening throughout time, but we work together," he said. "We love all of those people, and they're great people," Trump added. Previously, New Delhi had raised strong objections with Washington over the incident. At the G7 outreach session earlier, PM Modi had also called for ensuring that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers are able to perform their duties without fear. Meeting follows period of strained ties The engagement comes after a challenging phase in India-US relations, which saw tensions over Washington's decision to impose punitive tariffs on Indian goods, Trump's repeated claims about his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military conflict and changes in US immigration policies, including higher H-1B visa fees. New Delhi has maintained that the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was achieved through direct talks between the two countries and not through US intervention. Trump has frequently highlighted his personal equation with PM Modi. Before their meeting today, Trump referred to the Prime Minister as "calm," "cool," and a "total killer" to emphasise his respect for PM Modi's political approach and negotiating skills. India is attending the G7 Summit as a guest country. The grouping includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union.