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Informist, Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday raised the issue of the security and safety of Indian seafarers in his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit of the Group of Seven developed countries in France. "We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured and we stress upon that," Modi said in Hindi as the two leaders sat together at a media briefing.

 

The prime minister said thousands of Indian seafarers are on duty on commercial vessels around the world. "I believe their security is equally important... I am sure that in the peace deal (with Iran) security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised," he said while commending Trump's "leadership on the progress in peace efforts" in West Asia. Modi also said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for free navigation is vital for the global economy.

 

Earlier, Trump said he had "very good conversations" with Modi. "We are doing a trade deal, we are doing a lot of things. And prime minister is spending a lot of money in the United States, so we appreciate that... I just want to say he has been my friend for a long time now, and we have always had a great relationship."

 

In response to a media question about the death of three Indian sailors in an attack by US forces near Oman, Trump said, "Yes, I heard about that. It's a very rough profession, no question about it. We will work together. This has been happening throughout time. We love all those people."

 

Responding to a query on India's role in West Asia, Trump said, "I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role."

 

On the India-US relationship, Trump said, "I think it's a great relationship. We don't have a contract, but if they were attacked, we would be there to help them." Then, on a lighter note he added, "If anybody attacks that man (Modi), we are gonna be there. Now, if there is a new leader, I am not sure about it."

 

Back home, Modi has faced strong criticism from the Opposition over his silence on three back-to-back attacks by US forces last week on commercial ships with Indian sailors on board. In one such attack near Oman, three Indian seafarers lost their lives. Modi has neither condemned the attacks nor condoled the deaths of the seafarers in public.  End

 

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Rajeev Pai

 

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