Daijiworld Media Network- United Nations

United Nations, Aug 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, as per a provisional list of speakers released by the UN. The 80th session of the UNGA will begin on September 9, with the General Debate scheduled from September 23 to 29. Traditionally, Brazil will open the debate, followed by the United States. US President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first UNGA address of his second term on September 23.

According to the provisional schedule, India’s Head of Government will speak on the morning of September 26, the same day leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also expected to address the assembly. PM Modi had earlier visited the US in February for a bilateral meeting with Trump, during which both leaders announced plans to finalise the first phase of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by this fall. However, tensions have since arisen after Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including an additional 25 per cent levy on Russian oil imports, effective August 27.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs termed the move “unjustified and unreasonable” and vowed to safeguard national interests. The tariff announcement coincides with the upcoming visit of a US delegation to India on August 25 for the sixth round of BTA negotiations, with both nations aiming to conclude the first phase by October-November.

The UNGA’s annual high-level session is considered the busiest diplomatic period at the UN Headquarters. This year’s gathering comes amid ongoing conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine crisis. The list of speakers remains provisional and may undergo changes in the coming weeks.