'We Love All These People': Trump On Death Of Indian Sailors, Stops Short Of Apology

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday responded to questions on the deaths of Indian sailors in US naval strikes near Oman, saying maritime work is a “rough profession” that has seen such incidents throughout history.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump said “yeah I do” when asked if he had any message for the families of the victims and whether he had words of condolence. He added that he “loves all those people” in reference to those working in maritime trade.

“I heard about the Indian sailors. It’s a rough profession. We love all those people,” Trump said, stopping short of offering a direct apology over the incident.

Journalist: We have seen deaths of Indian sailors in US Navy strikes. Do you have any words

of condolence for their families?

Trump: Yeah I do. It’s a rough profession. This has been happening throughout time. I love all of those people. pic.twitter.com/ML3UpYFiXz

— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 17, 2026

Three Indian seafarers were killed in US strikes on commercial vessels near Oman last week, an episode that has drawn attention during high-level diplomatic discussions at the summit.

The remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of seafarer safety during his bilateral meeting with Trump. Modi underlined that freedom of navigation must be protected and said the security of Indian sailors operating on global maritime routes is a priority for India.

“We have always said that there should be freedom of navigation…Lakhs of Indian seafarers operate in the maritime trade sector. I believe that their security is equally important,” Modi said during the meeting, adding that any proposed US-Iran understanding should include safeguards for seafarers.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, covering trade negotiations and the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Trump, in his remarks, also praised India’s global role and described his meeting with Modi as “great,” while noting the strength of bilateral ties. “India plays a big role in everything as long as he is the leader. India is going to play a big role,” he said.

He further said that India continues to have a strong partner in the United States, adding, “As long as I am at the White House, India has a friend in the US.”

(With inputs from agencies)