At the recent G7 summit in France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used India’s outreach opportunity to highlight concerns over maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers. This came in the wake of a US military strike on a tanker off Oman that killed three Indian sailors, amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz—an essential corridor for global energy trade. Addressing the outreach session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” Modi called the maritime shipping crisis in the Middle East both a matter of human security for Indians and a risk to the world economy. He emphasized the need to keep sea routes safe and ensure that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear.
India, which has more than 300,000 seafarers deployed globally, faces unique vulnerabilities as many of its citizens serve on foreign-flagged vessels traversing high-risk waters. The recent incidents, including the US strikes on the MT Settebello and other Indian-crewed ships near Oman, have escalated what was a global shipping challenge into a domestic political and diplomatic issue for New Delhi. India has protested to Washington, called for an end to such attacks, and stepped up welfare support for affected families, while maintaining diplomatic engagement with both the US and regional states.
The crisis has forced India to carefully balance its deep energy ties in the Gulf, longstanding relations with Iran, and its strategic partnership with the US. In his speech, Modi refrained from directly naming the US but underscored the broader point that trust and cooperation are essential in managing vital supply chains and maritime routes. He argued that treating these as instruments of coercion has wider costs for all economies.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the safety of Indian seafarers remains a priority for the government. However, even with potential progress in US-Iran relations, disruptions in shipping—including backlogs, insurance issues, and security threats—are likely to linger. For India, keeping maritime safety a global priority will be crucial as tensions in the region persist.
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