NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers as part of the implementation of the Iran deal. His comments come days after three Indians were killed in a US strike on a commercial vessel off Oman. Speaking after bilateral talks with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian in France, Modi said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was vital for the global economy and that freedom of navigation must be safeguarded.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are serving across the world’s oceans in the maritime trade sector, and I believe that their safety is equally important” as reopening the key waterway, Modi said alongside Trump after their bilateral meeting, according to a video posted on his social media.
He said he was “fully confident” that the push to resolve the conflict would also prioritise “the safety of seafarers”. On Thursday, India’s shipping minister announced that three Indian sailors died on Palau-flagged MT Settebello vessel after it was hit by the United States off the coast of Oman.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told reporters at the G7 meeting in France that he had a “very good” conversation with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding the two countries are working on trade deals. Trump called Modi a “tough negotiator,” and said he will be going to India “sometime in the future.” India has been pressing the United States for months for a Trump trip, potentially as part of a meeting including Japan and Australia.
Trump also said the United States would defend India. “If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” Trump said, when asked about the US-India defense relationship. “If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there,” Trump said, referencing Modi. “Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it.” – Agencies
