2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jun 17, 2026 08:05 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told US President Donald Trump that the safety of Indian seafarers is critical. His comments, made during an interaction with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 meet in France, came days after three Indian seafarers lost their lives after a vessel came under attack by the US off the coast of Oman.

“We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured and we should also stress upon that. Lakhs of Indian seafarers are on duty in different seas of the world in the sector of maritime trade. I believe that their security is equally important. I am confident that in the deal (with Iran) security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised,” Modi told Trump during the interaction.

Modi also thanked US President Donald Trump for “rekindling hope for bringing peace to West Asia”. The Prime Minister added that he is happy that the Indian and US teams have been working closely to achieve targets and underlined a “new speed and energy in relations with the US”.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Modi said, “Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for global economy. Hope peace is permanent in the Gulf.”