Modi urges Trump to ensure Indian seafarers' safety as US-Iran deal nears

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to guarantee the safety of Indian sailors in international waters, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington and Tehran move toward signing a peace agreement mediated by Pakistan.

Safety of Seafarers

Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Modi told Trump that Indian seafarers face mounting risks while performing duties across global maritime routes. "You are aware that across the world, Indian seafarers and hundreds of thousands are working and performing their duties across global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and their safety is of utmost importance to us," Modi said in remarks following the bilateral meeting.

The prime minister stressed that he is "confident that the issue of seafarers will receive the highest priority in the implementation of this agreement." The appeal follows the deaths of three Indian nationals last week when the US Navy attacked three vessels carrying Indian crew off the coast of Oman during enforcement of the blockade on Iranian ports.

Peace Agreement

Modi commended Trump's diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel initiated military action against Iran. "I commend you for your leadership on the progress that has been made in the efforts to restore peace in this nation. Thanks to your efforts, Mr. president, new hope for peace and stability in the region has been rekindled. And I am confident that this will lead to a long-standing peace agreement," Modi told Trump.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Monday that Islamabad will host the signing ceremony for the US-Iran peace deal in Geneva on Friday. The warring sides agreed to lift the blockade on Iranian ports this week following mediation by Pakistan, which secured a ceasefire on April 8 after American forces imposed the naval blockade on April 13.

Freedom of Navigation

The Indian leader emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains vital for the global economy and maritime trade. India has "always said that freedom of navigation should be a priority and we should all work together to achieve it. India has consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and we should work together and place a bigger emphasis on that," Modi stated.