Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for secure sea routes and protection of sailors, telling G7 leaders that conflicts in West Asia had disrupted global trade and caused loss of life, days after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike in the Gulf of Oman.
Addressing the networking session of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi said that India firmly believes that lasting solutions to conflicts can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation.
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“Ensuring the safety of seafarers”: Prime Minister in the G7
Noting that the disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz had affected the global economy, the Prime Minister said that many Indian citizens had lost their lives in the conflict.
Modi’s statements about the need to protect sailors came amid growing anger in India over the killing of three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a commercial ship off the coast of Oman last week.
He raised this issue a day before his bilateral talks with the US President.
In his speech before the session, which was held under the title “Establishing new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity,” Modi said, “We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in countries friendly to us in the region.”
Referring to the impact of the conflict on global trade, he said that the disruption of maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz had harmed the global economy.
“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of lives and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disturbances in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Many Indian civilians have also lost their lives,” he added.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of seafarers who connect all countries through global maritime trade. We must ensure that sea routes remain safe and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear,” he said.
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What is happening?
US Central Command said it had taken action against three ships – the Marivex on June 8, the Settebello on June 9, and the Gulliver on June 11 – alleging that they were trying to violate the US blockade of Iranian ports.
In his speech, Modi also stressed the importance of trust in international relations, saying mutual trust between countries has become a more valuable strategic asset than minerals, technology or markets.
He said that in an increasingly interconnected world, where energy, food, health, cyber and economic security are inextricably linked, stronger international partnerships are essential for human progress and prosperity.
Modi warned that trade and technology were being used to achieve narrow interests, and said such practices contributed to a growing lack of trust in the international system.
“Today’s world is more interconnected and interconnected than ever before. A nation’s energy, food, health and cyber security, as well as its economic prosperity, are not determined solely within its own borders. Mobility, data, capital and technology all connect us,” he said.
“In times like these, the importance of partnerships naturally increases. However, partnerships only succeed when trust lies at their core,” he added.
The Prime Minister explained why trust is important for global development and prosperity.
“Confidence that technology and supply chains will be used for global good, not as weapons. Confidence that development opportunities will not be limited to a few countries. Confidence that global institutions will be able to realize the aspirations of all nations,” he said.
He added, “India’s experience proves that development is more effective when it is in line with the aspirations of the people.”
Modi traveled to France to attend the G7 summit after concluding a two-day visit to Slovakia. India was invited to attend the summit as a guest country.
The Group of Seven (G7) includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union is also a member of the bloc.
The Forum serves as a platform for its members to discuss and coordinate responses to the major economic, financial and geopolitical challenges facing the world.
