Media: Indian PM Modi to skip UN General Assembly session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the General Debate at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month, according to a revised provisional list of speakers released on September 5, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media.

The high-level session of the UNGA is scheduled to open on September 9, with the General Debate running from September 23 to 29. Brazil will deliver the traditional opening address, followed by the United States. US President Donald Trump will address world leaders from the UNGA podium on September 23, marking his first speech to the assembly during his second term in the White House.

India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is scheduled to speak on September 27. Earlier, a provisional list released in July had indicated that PM Modi would address the General Debate on September 26.

Other heads of government scheduled to speak on September 26 include the leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

This year’s session occurs amid ongoing global crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine. The theme for the 80th session is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The UNGA will also mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations on September 22 and convene a high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, focusing on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

The list of speakers for the General Debate remains provisional, and changes are possible as the high-level week approaches.

By Vugar Khalilov