"Ensure safety of seafarers": Deceased seafarer Aditya Sharma's father appeals to PM Modi
Bhalu, June 18
Rajesh Sharma, the father of deceased seafarer Aditya Sharma, on Thursday acknowledged the Prime Minister's diplomatic constraints during his meeting with US President where the isssue of seafarer safety was raised.
Speaking to ANI, Rajesh Sharma appealed to the government to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in international waters.
"The Prime Minister might be bound due to his diplomatic responsibilities, and he could not raise his voice in the manner he should have. I still want to thank him, and I wish that our sailors and seafarers will be safe in the future after his statement... I want to appeal to the government to ensure the safety of our seafarers," he said
Sharma's remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met USA President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. During the meeting, PM Modi pressed Trump for greater protection for maritime workers caught in the crossfire of escalating regional tensions.
"Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives. The safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our responsibility," the Prime Minister declared during the session on "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity."
PM Modi's appeal centred on a fundamental principle of global commerce: that civilian workers should not be collateral damage in geopolitical blockades.
"We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their work without fear," he added, urging a collaborative approach to avoid future casualties.
President Trump offered a brief acknowledgement of the tragedy, emphasising the inherent risks of the maritime industry while stopping short of further comment.
"I heard about that. It's a rough profession, and we work together on it," Trump remarked. "This has been happening throughout time, but we work together. We love all those people. They are great people."
Earlier, three Indian seafarers lost their lives in a U.S. military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, MT Settebello, came under fire after U.S. forces accused it of violating an ongoing naval blockade on Iranian ports. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while the remaining three were confirmed dead.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to hear this. Indian seafarers work tirelessly in dangerous conditions, and they deserve better protection. PM Modi did raise it, but the US response was underwhelming—'rough profession'? Come on. We need India to take a stronger stand at the UN. 🇮🇳
The father's appeal is so dignified and poignant—thanking the PM while acknowledging diplomatic constraints. This is the resilience of the Indian spirit. But honestly, why were our seafarers on that tanker knowing the blockade risks? The shipping companies must also be held accountable for safety protocols.
This is a global tragedy. As an American, I'm ashamed that my government's response was so callous. 'Rough profession'? These were civilian workers, not soldiers. India deserves better from its allies. My deepest condolences to the families. We need international maritime laws to protect all seafarers.
Rajesh Sharma's grace in thanking PM Modi while pushing for more is true Indian parenting—polite but firm. But let's not forget: three families lost their breadwinners. The government should fast-track compensation and ensure shipping companies prioritize safety over profit. Also, why no condemnation of the US strike?
I'm heartbroken for the Sharma family. The PM did his bit, but Trump's dismissive 'rough profession' comment shows how little Western leaders value Indian lives. We need to build our own naval strength and keep Indian seafarers out of conflict zones. No more lives lost to geopolitical games. 😢
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