Prime Minister Modi and President Trump are scheduled to hold talks on Wednesday on the sidelines of the summit, marking their first in-person meeting since their engagement in Washington in February last year. The meeting comes amid rising concern in India over the deaths of Indian crew members aboard ships targeted by the United States Navy in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the matter required urgent and high-level diplomatic intervention. She stated that the Prime Minister should raise the issue directly with the US President, saying, “Yes, I think definitely he should take it up.” She also expressed concern over the government’s response, adding, “It is surprising that we are not more outspoken about what is happening.”
The Modi–Trump meeting is taking place at a sensitive time in bilateral relations, which have experienced strains following Operation Sindoor and the United States’ decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods. Despite ongoing tensions, both leaders have remained in contact through telephone conversations and have also agreed on the framework for an interim trade agreement, with negotiations continuing since February.
The controversy surrounding the seafarers’ deaths escalated after the United States conveyed to India that any violation of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the transportation of Iranian oil in defiance of sanctions would not be tolerated. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated this position to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a telephone conversation last Friday.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio emphasized that all commercial vessels operating in the region must immediately comply with directives issued by US forces to maintain peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz. He further reiterated that violations of the US blockade and unauthorized transport of Iranian oil would attract consequences.
Following the incident, Jaishankar contacted Rubio to formally lodge India’s strong protest over the deaths of Indian nationals in US strikes targeting vessels off the coast of Oman. India also summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi, conveying that lethal attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members were unacceptable.
Three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack off the Omani coast last week. One of the incidents resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers, further intensifying diplomatic strain between New Delhi and Washington.
The developments now place the issue at the center of high-stakes diplomatic engagement at the G7 Summit, with India expected to press for accountability and clarity during the Modi–Trump meeting.
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