PM Modi to Address UNGA Amid US Trade Tensions
PM Modi set to speak at UNGA, meet Trump.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next month, according to a provisional list of speakers released by the UN. The high-level General Debate, scheduled from September 23 to 29, will follow the session’s opening on September 9, with Brazil traditionally speaking first, followed by US President Donald Trump on September 23. Modi, listed as India’s “Head of Government,” is slated to speak on the morning of September 26, alongside leaders from Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
PM Modi’s visit comes amid strained India-US trade relations. Following a February meeting with Trump in Washington, DC, the two leaders announced plans for a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025. However, Trump recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy on India’s Russian oil purchases, effective August 27. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” vowing to protect national interests. A US delegation is set to visit India on August 25 for the sixth round of BTA negotiations, aiming to finalize the first phase by October or November.
The UNGA session, known as the “busiest diplomatic season” at UN Headquarters, will address global challenges, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas and Ukraine conflicts. Trump has claimed credit for resolving several international disputes, including a purported India-Pakistan ceasefire in May, though India denies US mediation, emphasizing direct military talks. Modi is also likely to hold bilateral talks with Trump to address trade disputes and may meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following recent discussions, to strengthen diplomatic ties. The provisional UNGA speaker list may see changes, with updates expected in the coming weeks.
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