Modi Ties BRICS Trade Goals to Secure Sea Lanes and Seafarer Safety

At the BRICS Business Forum, current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said global trade depends on secure sea lanes, open supply routes and the protection of seafarers, reaffirming India’s support for freedom of navigation. His remarks came amid attacks and heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as concerns about Indian sailors working in the Black Sea and other conflict zones; India has reportedly directed shipping and recruitment companies to avoid deploying its seafarers in high-risk areas. Modi also linked maritime security to BRICS’ broader economic influence, saying the bloc represents about half the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and more than a quarter of global trade. He urged the BRICS Business Council to identify ways to remove trade barriers, support 100 startups annually and develop 1,000 new partnerships, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for easier trade procedures and greater use of national currencies among members.