PM Modi cancels address at UNGA General Debate in the US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the General Debate at the annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, reported PTI quoting a revised provisional list of speakers issued.

US President Donald Trump will deliver his first address of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in his second term on September 23, speaking from the iconic podium before world leaders.

The 80th UNGA session opens on September 9, with the high-level General Debate scheduled from September 23 to 29. As per convention, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States.

Jaishankar to represent India

A revised provisional list of speakers released Friday shows India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is slated to address the debate on September 27. In an earlier list issued in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been scheduled to speak on September 26. Leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also set to address the Assembly on that date.

The list of speakers remains provisional, with possible changes in schedules and lineups as the high-level week approaches.

Modi had last visited the US in February for a bilateral meeting with Trump at the White House. During his presidency, Trump has imposed tariffs totaling 50% on India, including a 25% levy on Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

Busiest diplomatic season

Widely regarded as the UN’s “busiest diplomatic season,” the annual September session this year takes place against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The theme for the 80th session is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

The week will open on September 22 with a special meeting commemorating the UN’s 80th anniversary. On the same occasion, the Assembly will mark 30 years since the Fourth World Conference on Women with a high-level event focused on “Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.” According to the UN, this will highlight progress, gaps, and challenges in advancing gender equality worldwide.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene a Climate Summit on September 24, providing a platform for countries to present new national climate action plans and seize opportunities in the clean energy era.

Other high-level meetings during the week will include discussions on building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy; non-communicable diseases and mental health; the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth; the launch of a global dialogue on AI governance; the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons; and the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.

With inputs from PTI