PM Modi Skips UNGA General Debate, Jaishankar to Represent India This Year
New York(The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate in the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year. This time, on behalf of India, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will address the world leaders on September 27. This information was given in the revised provisional list released on Friday.
According to the earlier list, PM Modi was to deliver the speech on September 26, but now the Foreign Minister has been given this responsibility in his place. The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is starting from September 9, while the high-level general debate will run from September 23 to 29.
PM Modi will not participate in UNGA's general debate this time, Jaishankar will represent India: The theme of this historic session is - "Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights". This year the 80th anniversary of the United Nations is also being celebrated, under which a special session will be held on 22 September. According to tradition, Brazil will give the first speech this time too, after which US President Donald Trump will give his address on 23 September. This will be Trump's first address at the UNGA after becoming President again.
Donald Trump will give his speech on 23rd September, UN Climate Summit on 24th September, speeches by the leaders of China, Israel, Pakistan and Bangladesh on 26th September, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will present India's side on 27th September. This session is important in many ways. Global issues like climate change, Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict will be at the centre. Also, the 30th anniversary of the World Women's Conference held in Beijing in 1995 will also be celebrated in this session.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi met President Trump in Washington. The Trump administration has imposed some major tariffs on India, including a 25 percent duty on oil imports from Russia. However, there is always a possibility of changes in the UN's temporary list, and as the high-level week approaches, further amendments to the program are possible. Now all eyes are on Foreign Minister Jaishankar, who will likely strongly present India's side on the global stage.