India, Sept. 12 -- India's focus is on reducing barriers to trade and increasing opportunities for business, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, a statement that acquires significance in the context of disruptions to global trade over the past 18 months, first on account of US action on tariffs, and then because of the war in West Asia that choked a key shipping route for energy supplies.

Modi added that India strongly supports freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers. India is disproportionately represented in global merchant navies, and according to earlier statements by the ministry of external affairs, at least 10 Indian seafarers have died in the West Asia conflict and five in attacks on...