U.S. Trip Expected for PM Modi in September During UNGA Session, despite ongoing Tariff Disputes
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in September is set to be a busy diplomatic season, with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the high-level session. The 80th UNGA session, which runs from September 23 to 29, marks the 80th anniversary of the UN, with the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the UNGA high-level session on the morning of September 26, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. New York time (6:30 p.m. IST). He will share the day with leaders from Israel, China, and Britain, among others.
India-US relations are currently strained due to the US imposing hefty tariffs on Indian imports. The US administration recently announced a 50% tariff hike, including a 25% tariff and an additional 25% penalty specifically targeting India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil. These tariffs have led to a deadlock in trade negotiations after five rounds of talks. The US demands India open its agricultural and dairy markets more significantly and reduce Russian oil imports as part of sanction enforcement related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi’s visit and address at the UNGA come amid hopes of high-stakes bilateral talks with Trump to resolve these escalating trade disputes.
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. The trade tensions have caused a significant strain in the relations, with India stating that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security in response to the tariffs.
This year's UNGA session comes amid the continued Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict. The high-level General Debate will open with Brazil as the traditional first speaker, followed by the US. The Heads of Government of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also scheduled to address the UNGA general debate on September 26.
The UNGA list of speakers for the General Debate is provisional and subject to changes in schedules and speakers over the next few weeks. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the tariffs imposed by Trump are unjustified and unreasonable.
In conclusion, the upcoming UNGA session promises to be a significant event, with world leaders addressing critical global issues and trade disputes taking center stage, particularly between India and the US.
- With the UNGA session approaching, the looming trade disputes between India and the US are expected to be a key topic of discussion, given the strained India-US relations and the imposed tariffs that have caused a significant strain in negotiations.
- As the 80th UNGA session unfolds, world leaders will address global issues, including ongoing wars and conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine conflict, while also tackling critical policy and legislative matters related to trade, economy, and human rights.
- Amidst growing concerns about the escalating trade tensions between India and the US, Prime Minister Modi's visit and address at the UNGA are hoped to lead to high-stakes bilateral talks with President Trump, aiming to resolve the mounting trade disputes and shore up general news headlines.
