Next to Trump at G7, Modi stresses seafarer safety and protection of global shipping lanes

At the G7 Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation, while urging all nations to safeguard global maritime routes and the seafarers who keep international trade moving.

Speaking at an outreach session in Evian, France, attended by US President Donald Trump and leaders from partner nations including Brazil, Egypt, Kenya and South Korea, Modi stressed the need for stronger global solidarity amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

“The safety of seafarers, who connect all countries through global maritime trade, is our responsibility. We must ensure that sea lanes remain secure and that seafarers can work without fear,” Modi said, adding that India was ready to collaborate with international partners on maritime security.

The Prime Minister welcomed recent progress toward peace in West Asia and noted that the conflict had claimed the lives of several Indian nationals while causing significant damage across the region. He also highlighted the impact of disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy.

“India firmly believes that a lasting solution to conflicts and wars in different parts of the world can only come through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation,” Modi said.

His remarks came ahead of a planned bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders briefly interacted before the session, marking their first face-to-face meeting since February 2025.

Modi also underscored the growing importance of trust in international partnerships, arguing that energy security, food security, healthcare, cybersecurity and economic prosperity transcend national boundaries in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Today, the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technology or markets, but mutual trust,” he said, cautioning against the use of technology and supply chains as geopolitical weapons.

Reflecting on the erosion of confidence in global institutions, Modi said the world’s biggest challenge was not a shortage of resources but a deficit of trust. Citing former US president Ronald Reagan’s famous phrase, “Trust, but verify,” he called for a reliable, rules-based international order suited to the challenges of a new era.

His comments come amid a complex phase in India-US relations, with both countries continuing negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement following recent disputes over tariffs and trade policies.