Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said countries can resolve wars only through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation. He also urged all nations to protect maritime routes and ensure the safety of seafarers.
Modi made the remarks during an outreach session of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The session focused on “Forging new partnerships and rebuilding international solidarity”. Leaders from India, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya and South Korea joined the discussions as partner countries. US President Donald Trump sat beside Modi during the session.
Modi Stresses Safety of Seafarers
Modi highlighted the important role seafarers play in global trade. He said countries must work together to keep sea routes secure. “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,” Modi said.
He also assured the international community that India is ready to contribute. “India is fully prepared to work with all partners on these issues.”
Shared my thoughts at the Outreach Session on ‘Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity’ at the G7 Summit in Evian. In a world that is getting more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, this subject becomes all the more vital. But,… pic.twitter.com/NjNddWGtFF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026
Peace Efforts in West Asia Welcome
Modi welcomed recent progress in peace efforts in West Asia following the agreement between Iran and the United States. However, he noted that the conflict had already caused heavy losses. He said many Indian civilians had lost their lives. He also pointed to the damage suffered by friendly countries in the region.
The Prime Minister said disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had affected the global economy and international trade.
Dialogue is the Only Solution
Modi strongly backed diplomatic solutions to conflicts. “India firmly believes that a lasting solution to the ongoing tensions and wars in various parts of the world is possible only through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation.”
His remarks came a day before his scheduled bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit. Earlier, the two leaders briefly greeted each other before the session. It marked their first face-to-face meeting since February 2025.
Death of Indian Sailors Raises Concerns
The issue of maritime security has gained urgency after a recent incident near Oman. Last week, a US aircraft struck the tanker MT Settebello. The attack killed three Indian sailors. The vessel was one of three merchant ships carrying more than 65 Indian crew members near the Omani coast.
The incident prompted India to register strong protests. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the senior-most American diplomat in New Delhi twice. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also discussed the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call. The United States has not expressed regret over the incident. Rubio maintained that Washington would continue enforcing its blockade of Iran.
Thirteen Indians Have Died in the Conflict
According to official figures, 13 Indian nationals have died in West Asia since the conflict escalated after Israeli and US attacks on Iran on February 28. The violence has increased concerns about civilian safety, regional stability and global trade routes.
Trust Is the Most Valuable Strategic Asset
Modi also focused on the importance of trust in international relations. He said countries today are more interconnected than ever. Nations depend on each other for energy, food, healthcare, technology, cybersecurity and economic growth.
“In such times, the importance of partnerships naturally increases. But partnerships succeed only when trust is at their core. Today, the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technologies or markets, but mutual trust,” Modi said. He also warned against using technology and supply chains as tools of pressure.
Global Trust Is Eroding
Modi said the world built institutions after two World Wars to promote peace and stability. However, he warned that trust in those systems is now weakening.
“But the trust built over decades through the contributions of several generations is eroding today. Covid has shown us just how hollow the claims of trust and solidarity were,” he said.
“The world today does not suffer from a lack of resources; it suffers from a lack of trust. And the future of our partnership depends on building this trust.”
Modi Quotes Reagan
Modi referred to former US President Ronald Reagan and his famous phrase, “Trust, but verify”.He said the message remains relevant in today's world.
“This remains relevant today. We have a responsibility to future generations to build a reliable, rules-based order suited to the new era.”
India-US Ties Remain in Focus
Modi did not name any country directly. However, his remarks came at a time when India and the United States continue to address trade differences.
The two countries have worked to resolve issues after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. They are now negotiating a bilateral trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties.
Through his speech, Modi delivered a clear message: countries must strengthen trust, protect global trade routes and use dialogue instead of conflict to solve international disputes.