Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed an emergency support network for seafarers to ensure their safety while addressing foreign delegates during the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
Prime Minister Modi’s proposal comes in the wake of attacks on sailors since the beginning of the US-Iran conflict in late February. Highlighting the role of sailors in terms of global trade, PM Modi said they “make a massive contribution.”
During his opening statement at the summit, the PM also stated that the mariners often lack support in times of crisis. He added that the proposed network would serve as a platform to bridge the gap between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions, further providing assistance to seafarers through distress alerts, medical
aid, family notifications and evacuations.
#WATCH | Delhi: During the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “… 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… pic.twitter.com/VWcWqNuQbv
— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2026
“… 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.
As the prospect of an immediate end to the West Asia conflict remains elusive, seafarers from several countries, including India, have come under attack while transiting the critically important Strait of Hormuz, which is facing a blockade by both Iran and the United States.
BRICS Summit
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 ad 13. PM Modi made the remarks in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The other leaders who are attending the summit include Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.
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