PM Modi Pitches Global Safety Net For Seafarers At BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for keeping the sea routes safe for seafarers, highlighting their critical contribution to global trade, proposing a 'Seafarers' Emergency Support Network' as part of his broader address at the 18th BRICS Summit. PM Modi had also raised the issue of seafarers' safety during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Indian ships have been attacked during the US-Iran conflict, and the country's seafarers have been abducted by pirates. Five Indian seafarers died in the Black Sea due to ongoing Russia-Ukraine hostilities, prompting India to strongly raise the incidents with both Moscow and Kyiv.

"... Seafarers make a massive contribution to global trade, yet they often find themselves lacking support during difficult times. I propose that we establish a 'Seafarers' Emergency Support Network.' This would connect the maritime authorities and diplomatic missions of relevant countries, facilitating assistance with distress alerts, medical aid, family notifications, and evacuations..." PM Modi said.

Earlier on Friday, while addressing the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi had called for ensuring freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes and the safety of seafarers. He said this was essential to keeping global trade running. "Global trade can only progress if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. Therefore, India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers," he said.

PM Modi and President Putin "shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers", the MEA said in the readout.

During his meeting with Pezeshkian, the prime minister "underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers", the MEA said in a statement.