India, Sept. 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi took up the issue of seafarers' safety during the Leaders' Session of BRICS Business Forum on Friday and emphasised on the need to have secure sea lanes. Modi noted that India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.

"Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers." Modi said. The remarks come in the backdrop of the West Asia conflict that hit fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz route as US and Iran continue to be at loggerheads. Track live updates on BRICS summit

Modi also raised the s...