PM raises maritime security concerns before Trump talks
As global leaders gather in France, PM Modi underscores safe sea routes and the concerns of the Global South ahead of bilaterals with Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump greeted each other with a firm handshake during the G7 Summit at French spa town of Evian-les-Bains from on Tuesday, in their first in-person encounter in over a year.
The two leaders met amid the formal gathering hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Images from the venue captured Modi approaching Trump with a broad smile before they joined other heads of state at the main table. Notably absent was the signature bear hug that had become a hallmark of their earlier meetings.
This encounter marks the first time the two have met face-to-face since Modi's visit to Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump began his second presidential term. The interaction comes at a time of some strain in India-US ties, including differences over India's recent Operation Sindoor and Washington's imposition of tariffs on Indian exports.
PM Modi, who arrived in Evian for a two-day stay, is attending the G7 Summit for the seventh year in a row — a reflection of India's rising prominence in international forums despite not being a formal member of the group.
On Tuesday, days after three Indian mariners were killed in a US military strike in the Gulf of Oman, PM Modi told a gathering of G7 leaders, including Trump, that all countries must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear.
The PM, addressing an outreach session of the G7 summit, said disruptions to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz have harmed the global economy and that many Indian citizens have lost their lives.
Modi's comments on underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers came against the backdrop of growing anger in India over the killing of the three Indian crew members in a US military attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman last week.
Modi raised the issue a day ahead of his bilateral talks with the US president.
“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region,” Modi said in his address on the session, Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity.
The PM said disruptions to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz have hit the global economy.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade. We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear,” he said.
The US Central Command said it initiated action to disable the three vessels -- Marivex on June 8, Settebello on June 9 and Jalveer on June 11, saying they were trying to violate the US blockade of Iranian ports.
Modi also flagged the concerns of the countries of the Global South and said they aspire to be partners in global development.
“Today, the Global South has high expectations of the global community. However, what they seek is not merely support, but partnership. They aspire to be partners in global development, not just beneficiaries,” he said.
“We must move beyond the donor-recipient mindset and work as equal partners. We should walk together, side by side. Partnership must be rooted in dignity, not dependency.”
“Through these efforts, we will lay a strong foundation for sustainable development for future generations,” Modi said.
On the sidelines, Modi is scheduled to hold important bilateral discussions with several leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
US-Iran to Sign deal at Swiss resort
Dubai: Switzerland's foreign ministry said on Tuesday a signing ceremony for a deal between the United States and Iran will take place on Friday at the Burgenstock resort near the city of Luzern. Ministry officials said that the location was proposed by Pakistani and Qatari mediators, along with the US and Iran. The ministry said it has been in close contact with the four countries about the possible signing of the memorandum of understanding that US and Iranian officials announced over the weekend.
