New Delhi, June 17 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 16) called for strengthened protection of global maritime routes and the safety of seafarers, speaking at the G7 Outreach Session in Evian, France, against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia and recent incidents involving Indian nationals.

PM Modi told G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, that all countries must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear.

The remarks come days after three Indian mariners were killed in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman, intensifying domestic concern in India over maritime security in the region.

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