Modi to Press Hormuz Case at G7 After Indian Sailors Killed in US Strikes
New Delhi-Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Europe on Saturday for the Group of Seven summit, where India is expected to raise concerns over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after three Indian seafarers were killed in US strikes on vessels in the Gulf region.
Modi’s visit includes meetings in France and Slovakia before he attends the G7 summit in Evian, France, marking India’s 13th participation as a partner country at the forum. The G7 members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Indian government said it would call for safe and unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, while raising broader concerns linked to developments in West Asia.“We want and we have urged that there be unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
The comments came after US attacks on vessels near Hormuz that killed three Indian sailors. The US Central Command said the strike was carried out because the tanker involved was “attempting to transport oil from Iran.”India’s foreign ministry said protecting the welfare and security of its seafaring community remained a priority.
More than 320,000 Indians work as mariners globally, making them one of the largest national groups in the profession, while about 20,000 are currently serving on commercial vessels in the Hormuz region, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.The Indian Embassy in Oman said three ships staffed by Indian personnel in the Gulf had been attacked by American forces during the week.
Modi is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit, with the issue likely to feature in discussions between the two leaders.Analysts said the incidents had increased India’s focus on securing maritime movement across the wider Gulf corridor, with New Delhi seeking clarity over the protection of civilian shipping.
The summit will also provide India an opportunity to engage with Gulf countries invited by France, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt.The G7 meeting begins on Monday in France, bringing together leaders of major industrial economies to discuss global economic and security issues.
