Sitting Beside Trump, PM Modi Makes Veiled Reference To Killing Of Indian Crew In US Attack Off Oman Coast

Evian: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while sitting beside US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit on Tuesday, made a veiled reference to the killing of Indian crew members in a US attack on a ship off the Oman coast.

While addressing the 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity', PM Modi stated that the disruption of maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz has harmed the global economy, adding, “Many Indian civilians have lost their lives.”

“The safety of seafarers, who connect all countries through global maritime trade, is our responsibility. We must ensure that sea lanes remain safe, and seafarers can carry out their work without fear," the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi also welcomed the progress made in peace efforts in the Middle East, noting that the US-Iran conflict has caused loss of life and property for our friendly countries in West Asia.

‘Trust Is The Most Important Asset’

During his address, PM Modi also stated that the most important strategic asset is not a mineral, technology, or market, but mutual trust.

He added, “But the trust built over decades and through the contributions of many generations is being eroded today. Covid has shown us how hollow the claims of trust and solidarity were.”

He stated that today the world does not suffer from a shortage of resources, it suffers from a shortage of trust. Noting that the future of partnerships depends on building this trust, PM Modi quoted US President Ronald Reagan- ”Trust but Verify."

Stating that this quote is still relevant today, he added, “We have a responsibility to future generations to build a trusted, rules-based order fit for the new era.”

US Attack On Ship With Indian Crew

Earlier this month, the US attacked Palau-flagged commercial ship Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. Twenty-four Indian crew members were on board the ship when it was attacked. While 21 Indians were rescued, three were killed in the attack.

The United States Central Command CENTCOM claimed that the ship was attacked for allegedly violating the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. India has strongly condemned the attack.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said, “U.S. Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. CENTCOM forces have disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13."