Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Deliver Annual Address at UN General Assembly in September
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to open on September 9, with the high-level General Debate running from September 23-29. This year's session takes place amid the continued Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict.
The highlight of the General Debate will be the addresses by several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak on September 23 in his second term. Trump has claimed to have solved several wars in the six months of his second presidential term, including a peace agreement 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. However, Trump has also imposed tariffs totalling 50% on India, including 25% for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, effective from August 27. India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the targeting of the country by the tariffs is unjustified and unreasonable.
India's Head of Government (HG), Narendra Modi, is scheduled to address the UNGA on the morning of September 26. While the exact agenda of Modi's address is not yet clear, based on past patterns and recent official communications, some themes and priorities can be inferred.
Modi typically emphasizes India’s development goals, climate action, digital infrastructure, inclusive growth, and reforms in his international addresses. He also stresses principles like security, dignity, and equity, advocating that no country or community be left behind in the digital era. Past speeches show a focus on national self-reliance, border security, and defending national identity, without explicitly confronting trade disputes. External Affairs Minister speeches at UNGA often address international cooperation, terrorism, and sustainable development, aligning with India’s diplomatic priorities.
Given the current trade tensions with the US, Modi’s address might adopt a measured diplomatic tone, prioritizing multilateralism, economic cooperation, and development partnerships rather than direct confrontation on trade issues. The agenda is expected to highlight India’s growth trajectory and call for equitable and secure international economic systems without overtly escalating bilateral trade disputes.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the US is aimed to be concluded by fall (October-November) this year, with the sixth round of negotiations scheduled for August 25. India plans to take measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security in response to the tariffs imposed by the US.
Pakistan Army claims to have killed 50 militants in Balochistan near the Afghanistan border, while Brazil is scheduled to be the traditional first speaker of the session. The Heads of Government of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also scheduled to address the UNGA on the same day as India.
The UNGA list of speakers for the General Debate is provisional and subject to changes over the next few weeks. The high-level session of the UNGA, considered the "busiest diplomatic season" of the year at the United Nations Headquarters, opens in September annually.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-to-speak-at-un-general-assembly-on-september-26/article66045606.ece [2] https://www.narendramodi.in/speeches/speeches-by-prime-minister-narendra-modi/speech-at-the-united-nations-general-assembly-2021 [3] https://www.narendramodi.in/speeches/speeches-by-prime-minister-narendra-modi/speech-at-the-united-nations-general-assembly-2019 [4] https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/32896/Address_by_External_Affairs_Minister_S_Jaishankar_at_the_United_Nations_General_Assembly_2021 [5] https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/32896/Address_by_External_Affairs_Minister_S_Jaishankar_at_the_United_Nations_General_Assembly_2021
- The UNGA General Debate, running from September 23-29, will feature high-profile speeches, including US President Donald Trump on September 23, amid ongoing crises in Palestine and Ukraine.
- In his address on September 26, India's Head of Government (HG), Narendra Modi, is predicted to prioritize national development, climate action, and digital infrastructure, while focusing on multilateralism and economic cooperation due to trade tensions with the US.
- The sixty-seventh session of the UNGA is set to be a busy diplomatic season, including speeches by leaders from India, Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- The first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the US is planned for completion by fall (October-November), while India adapts to economic security measures in response to US tariffs. [Reference links provided: 1, 2, 3, and 4 contribute to understanding Modi's international addresses; 5 provides information on the External Affairs Minister's speeches at the UNGA]
