Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of safety of Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz during a joint press conference with President Donald Trump, stressing that the security of thousands of Indian sailors is of paramount importance to India. He expressed his hope that ensuring the safety of sailors would be an essential part of any agreement reached with Iran.
“Thousands of Indian sailors work in the maritime sector; I believe their security is no less important,” Prime Minister Modi told President Trump.
India lost three Indian sailors in a recent attack by the US Navy on Mount Setibelo. Two other ships with Indian crew on board were also attacked in the same week.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to restore peace in West Asia and expressed hope for a lasting solution to the conflict. He also stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring freedom of navigation.
“We met in Washington last time… and since then we have been moving forward together. It is a pleasure for us to have our teams working together, and we are moving forward at a rapid pace,” Modi said.
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In response to a question about the Indian sailors killed in the conflict zone, Trump said that he had been informed about the incident and added that efforts were underway to address the issue. “I heard about it. It is a difficult profession. We (Prime Minister Modi and him) are working on it,” he said.
India protested the attacks after ships carrying the Indian crew were attacked three times within a week, with the Foreign Ministry summoning the American envoy in Delhi.
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Trump says India will visit soon
Trump described Modi as a “tough negotiator” and said he would go to India “at some point in the future.”
India has been pressing the United States for months for Trump to visit, perhaps as part of a meeting that includes Japan and Australia.
Trump also said that the US will defend India.
“If they are attacked, we will be there to help them,” Trump said when asked about US-India defense relations.
“If anyone attacks this guy, we will be there,” Trump said, referring to Modi. “Now, if there is a new leader, I’m not sure about it.”
