Sea Routes Need To Be Secure: PM Modi's Hormuz Reference At BRICS Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the BRICS Summit Business Forum to express a major concern that is causing anxiety among Indian seafarers.Apparently referring to recent attacks on ships linked to India - chiefly in the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint that has become a US-Iran battleground - PM Modi linked global trade progress to the security of sea lanes, supply routes, and seafarers."Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers," he said.PM Modi also dwelled on the grouping's growing economic might, saying the combined GDP of BRICS nations grew twice as fast as the global GDP."Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade.