Evian, June 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised maritime security and the protection of Indian sailors during a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, stressing the critical need to maintain open international shipping lanes.

Focusing on the human element of maritime commerce, PM Modi said that "lakhs of Indians are working as seafarers" and stressed that their safety remains a key priority amid ongoing developments in West Asia.

Tying the safety of these crew members directly to international economic stability, the Prime Minister focused heavily on the critical regional choke point.

"Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy," PM Mod...