• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025) later this month, , as per the updated list of speakers made public in New York. India's national statement will instead be read by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on September 27.

The UN General Assembly high-level session commences on September 9, with the General Debate taking place from September 23 to 29. Brazil, by tradition, will lead off, followed by the United States. US President Donald Trump will deliver his first speech to the UNGA in his second term on September 23. The new speakers' list indicates India is represented at the ministerial level. Earlier, a provisional list issued in July had placed Prime Minister Modi’s address on September 26.

Packed Agenda Amid Global Conflicts

The UNGA 2025 session comes at a time of multiple crises, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the continuing Ukraine conflict, and growing concerns over global economic recovery. The focus this year is "Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights." A special session on September 22 will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Leaders will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, reiterating international commitments to women's empowerment and gender equality.

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In addition to the General Debate, the UN will organize a series of summits:
• Climate Summit on 24 September, when countries are to submit new climate action plans.
• Summit on a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy.
• High-level talks on noncommunicable diseases, mental health, youth empowerment and AI governance.
• Special session on the Rohingya crisis and minority rights of Myanmar.

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Prime Minister Modi traveled to the United States earlier this year for bilateral discussions with President Trump at the White House. The relationship, which was termed a "special partnership," has experienced strains since Washington placed tariffs up to 50 percent on India, including Russian oil imports. India's message at the UNGA will be carefully observed, as New Delhi weighs its diplomatic priorities in the wake of changing global alignments.