NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session later this month. The 80th session of the UNGA will commence on September 9.
As per the updated list of provisional speakers, a “minister” will represent India at the UNGA session. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is expected to address the General Debate.
Earlier, the provisional list had scheduled PM Modi’s address on September 26.
The central theme for the 80th UNGA session will be ‘Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.’
A high-level commemorative meeting will take place on September 22 to mark the 80th anniversary.
The General Debate will be held from September 23 to 29. India’s address will be delivered by the “minister”, likely Jaishankar, on September 26.
Heads of government of China, Pakistan and Bangladesh are also scheduled to address the General Debate on the same day.
The development comes amid strained India-US ties, following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports.
Trump was also listed as the speaker in the provisional list. He is likely to deliver his address during the General Debate on September 23.
Agencies