Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States next month to attend the annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with US President Donald Trump also scheduled to be in attendance.
According to a provisional list of speakers issued by the UN, Modi is likely to address the 80th session of the General Assembly in New York on the morning of September 26.
Trump is set to speak earlier in the session, delivering his address from the iconic UNGA podium on 23 September — his first since beginning his second term in office. The high-level General Debate will run from 23 to 29 September, with Brazil traditionally opening the session, followed by the United States.
On the day Modi is expected to speak, leaders from Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also scheduled to deliver their remarks. The list of speakers remains provisional and may be subject to changes in the coming weeks. Modi’s expected visit comes amid heightened trade tensions between India and the US following Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports.
In February, Modi travelled to Washington for a bilateral meeting with Trump at the White House. The two leaders issued a joint statement announcing plans to negotiate the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the aim of concluding it by the autumn of 2025.
Also Read: PM Modi, JP Nadda to pick NDA Vice Presidential nominee
However, despite ongoing trade negotiations, Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil, raising the total tariff to 50 per cent.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the move as “unjustified and unreasonable,” adding, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.” The tariff order coincides with a planned visit by a US delegation to India from August 25 for the sixth round of BTA negotiations. Both sides aim to finalise the first stage of the agreement by October or November this year.
The UNGA session is considered the busiest diplomatic period of the year at the United Nations Headquarters, with leaders from across the world converging in New York.
This year’s gathering will be held against the backdrop of ongoing global crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine, adding further significance to the event.
Also Read: India investing billions in research ecosystem, says PM Modi
Follow us
