Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to protect maritime routes and seafarers while addressing an outreach session of the G7 Summit in the French resort town of Evian. His remarks came days after a US strike on a merchant vessel near Oman killed three Indian sailors.
Speaking at the session on “Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity”, Modi said global conflicts can only be resolved through cooperation and dialogue, the Ministry of External Affairs informed.
“India firmly believes that a lasting solution to the ongoing tensions and wars in various parts of the world is possible only through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation,” he said.
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US President Donald Trump was seated next to Modi during the session. India was among the partner countries invited to the outreach event, alongside Brazil, Egypt, Kenya and South Korea.
Shared my thoughts at the Outreach Session on ‘Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity’ at the G7 Summit in Evian. In a world that is getting more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, this subject becomes all the more vital. But,… pic.twitter.com/NjNddWGtFF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026
Call for safe sea lanes
Highlighting the importance of maritime trade, Modi said the international community must ensure the safety of those working at sea.
“The safety of seafarers, who connect all countries through global maritime trade, is our responsibility. We must ensure that sea lanes remain safe, and seafarers can carry out their work without fear,” Modi said. “India is fully prepared to work with all partners on these issues.”
The Prime Minister also welcomed progress in peace efforts in West Asia and noted that ongoing conflicts had affected Indian citizens and friendly nations in the region. He said disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had impacted the global economy.
Trust at the heart of global partnerships
Modi said trust remains the foundation of successful international partnerships, especially in an increasingly interconnected world.
“In such times, the importance of partnerships naturally increases. But partnerships succeed only when trust is at their core. Today, the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technologies or markets, but mutual trust,” he was quoted as saying by HT.
Referring to global challenges ranging from energy and food security to technology and trade, Modi warned against using supply chains and technology as tools of pressure.
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Invoking former US president Ronald Reagan’s famous words, Modi added, “Trust, but verify”. He said the world has a responsibility to create “a reliable, rules-based order suited to the new era” and rebuild confidence among nations for future generations.
FAQs:
Why did PM Modi raise the issue of seafarer safety at the G7 Summit?
His remarks came days after three Indian sailors were killed in an attack near Oman.
What did PM Modi say about resolving global conflicts?
He said lasting solutions are possible only through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation.
