PM Modi to skip general debate at UNGA special session, Jaishankar to represent India

The 80th session of the UNGA will begin on September 9 with Brazil as the traditional first speaker followed by the United States.

As per the revised provisional list of speakers, India will be represented by a 'minister', NDTV reported.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the session on September 27.

Earlier, Modi was scheduled to address the session on September 26.

US President Donald Trump will deliver his address on September 23.

What does Modi's decision to skip mean?

India and the U.S. are currently embroiled in a trade dispute—President Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs totaling 50 percent on Indian imports, including a punitive 25 percent on Russian oil purchases.

Against this backdrop of mounting friction, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to skip the UN General Assembly sends a diplomatic signal: avoiding confrontation and managing tensions discreetly.

Reports suggest Modi’s schedule does not currently include the UNGA, and a high-profile meeting with President Trump is not expected.

Geopolitical observers interpret the move as strategic distancing—rather than forcing a potentially awkward engagement during heightened trade strain.

UNGA 80th session

Overview

• Session Timeline: The 80th UN General Assembly begins on September 9, 2025 and continues through September 8, 2026 United Nations.
• Location: Held at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
• Theme: "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights".

Context and broader significance

80-year anniversary: This session coincides with the UN’s 80th anniversary, marked by events such as Charter Day (26 June 2025) and UN Day (24 October 2025), celebrating the UN's founding and continued role in peace and development.

UN80 Initiative: A key reform initiative aiming to strengthen UN systems, promote inclusivity, and support a multilateral future—that will feature prominently during this session.

Security Council elections: During the run-up to UNGA 80, five new non-permanent members were elected to the Security Council for 2026–27: Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia.