Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver India’s address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 26, according to a provisional list of speakers released by the UN. The high-level General Debate will take place from September 23 to 29, with Brazil opening the session, followed by the United States.
Provisional List Includes Leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh on Same Day
US President Donald Trump is set to make his first address to the UNGA in his second term on September 23. The same day will also feature speeches from several global leaders. On September 26, alongside PM Modi, the Heads of Government of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are scheduled to address the Assembly.
The 80th UNGA session will open on September 9, marking the start of what is considered the “busiest diplomatic season” at the United Nations Headquarters.
Address Comes Amid Strained India-US Trade Talks
PM Modi’s anticipated UNGA speech comes months after his February visit to Washington, DC, for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. At that meeting, both leaders announced plans to negotiate the first phase of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025.
However, trade relations have been under strain. Even as negotiations continue, Trump has imposed tariffs totalling 50% on Indian goods — including a 25% levy linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, set to take effect from August 27.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly criticised the move, calling the targeting of the country “unjustified and unreasonable.” It added, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
A US delegation is scheduled to visit India from August 25 for the sixth round of BTA talks, with both sides aiming to conclude the first phase of the deal by October-November this year.
Geopolitical Context of the UNGA Session
This year’s UNGA session will unfold against the backdrop of ongoing global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine crisis. President Trump has claimed that, in his second term, his administration has brokered peace in several disputes, including those between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cambodia and Thailand, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo.
Trump has also asserted that his government was instrumental in halting the May conflict between India and Pakistan.
The UN has noted that the current list of speakers is provisional and subject to change in the weeks leading up to the session.
