"Convey our strong protest and anger": Arvind Kejriwal urges PM Modi to address Indian seafarers' deaths to Trump
New Delhi, June 17
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a firm stand over the recent deaths of three Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman during his proposed meeting with US President Donald Trump in France on Wednesday.
Kejriwal criticised PM Modi for his silence regarding the deaths in an attack from the US forces on the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello. He demanded that the PM voice the nation's anger and protest directly to the US President.
In a direct appeal shared on X, Kejriwal said, "Today you are meeting Trump in France. Pl convey our strong protest and anger over his killing three Indians. Show courage to stand up to Trump. You did not post a single tweet, nor did you pray for the departed souls," he wrote.
"India needs a strong PM. Pl show courage today," he said.
His remarks comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the tragic deaths of Indian seafarers in a recent US military strike during his address to G7 leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who was seated beside him.
Highlighting the severe human and economic toll of instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister strongly advocated safeguarding international maritime trade routes.
"We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have adversely affected the global economy," PM Modi stated.
Underscoring India's commitment to the global seafaring community, he added, "Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives. The safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our responsibility."
The vessel operated with a 28-member crew consisting of 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian, and was intercepted and struck by the US military over an alleged violation of a US blockade while reportedly transporting oil from Iran.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are likely to discuss the situation in West Asia, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, energy imports from the United States and the proposed bilateral trade agreement during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, sources said.
The highly anticipated bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Donald Trump is on the cards for today.
According to sources, both countries are keen on building a long-term energy partnership, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector amid concerns over disruptions to global supply chains caused by tensions in West Asia.
Sources said the proposed India-US trade deal is in its final stages, with negotiations progressing steadily and work on the agreement expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The two nations reached an interim trade agreement earlier in February after a year of talks.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate Kejriwal pushing for accountability, but he should also focus on Delhi's issues rather than foreign policy. However, 24 Indian lives are at stake - we need our PM to be vocal. Trump must know that Indian blood is not cheap.
This is a classic case of politics over lives. Both sides should come together. PM did mention it in G7, but Kejriwal's point about not tweeting for the departed souls is valid. Let's unite for our seafarers rather than scoring political points. 🤝
As an American, I'm sorry about the deaths. The US needs to be more careful with such operations. I hope PM Modi and President Trump can resolve this diplomatically. The seafarers were just doing their jobs - innocent people shouldn't pay the price for geopolitical tensions.
Kejriwal's criticism has merit. When Indian lives are lost, our PM should show anger, not just 'raise concerns'. But let's also think about the bigger picture - we need the US for trade and energy. It's a tightrope walk for Modi ji. Let's see what comes out of the meeting.
I'm with Kejriwal on this one. PM should have tweeted condolences at least. These are our brothers who died on a foreign ship. But I also understand Modi's diplomatic approach - he can't be too aggressive with Trump and risk the trade deal. Still, some public condemnation was needed. 🙏
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