Amid Tariff Row, PM Modi To Skip UN Session, S Jaishankar To Represent India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not speak at the UNGA General Debate this month. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will now represent India, addressing the assembly on September 27. This change comes amidst ongoing global conflicts and highlights India's evolving diplomatic stance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the United Nations General Assembly's high-level session this month, and India is likely to be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

A revised list of speakers has been released, confirming this change. The 80th UNGA session will kick off on September 9, with the General Debate scheduled from September 23 to 29. Brazil traditionally opens the session, followed by the United States, PTI reported.

US President Donald Trump is set to address global leaders from the UNGA podium on September 23. This will be his first speech at the UN in his second term as President. Trump's address is anticipated with interest in New Delhi, especially after his recent remarks about India's oil imports from Russia. He mentioned that Washington had "lost India and Russia to China" but later clarified he was just "very disappointed" with India's actions.

India's Representation at the UNGA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the session on September 27. Initially, PM Modi was slated to speak on September 26 according to a previous list issued in July. However, changes have been made, and now a 'minister' will speak for India instead.

The heads of government from Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also scheduled to deliver their speeches on September 26. The list of speakers remains provisional and may undergo further changes before the high-level week begins.

Trump's Relationship with India

Despite Trump's criticism regarding India's oil dealings with Russia, he emphasized his strong personal bond with Modi. He described Modi as a "great Prime Minister" and assured that they would "always be friends." Trump added that India and the US share a "very special relationship," suggesting there’s no cause for concern despite occasional disagreements.

Earlier this year in February, PM Modi visited the US for a bilateral meeting with Trump at the White House. During this period, Trump imposed tariffs amounting to 50 per cent on India, including a specific 25 per cent tariff related to India's Russian oil purchases.

UNGA Session Highlights

This year's session coincides with ongoing global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war and Ukraine crisis. The theme for this session is 'Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights'. The opening meeting on September 22 will commemorate the United Nations' 80th anniversary.

A significant event during this session is a high-level meeting marking the Fourth World Conference on Women's 30th anniversary. It focuses on "Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action" aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls globally.

The meeting will reflect on progress since Beijing's landmark conference in 1995 while highlighting achievements, best practices, gaps, and challenges in promoting gender equality worldwide.