Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the safety of Indian seafarers with U.S. President Donald Trump during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
Mr. Modi told Mr. Trump that the safety of hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers working on global routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, was of utmost importance. He referred to the killing of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. strike last week off the coast of Oman.
Mr. Modi said he was confident the issue would receive the highest priority. He commended Mr. Trump’s efforts to restore peace in West Asia and noted both leaders agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for the world economy.
Mr. Trump acknowledged the incident, describing seafaring as a rough profession. He stated the United States and India were very close to finalising a trade deal and reaffirmed strong bilateral ties, adding that the U.S. would help if India were attacked.
