Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the General Debate at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expected to deliver India&rsquo;s statement instead.
The 80th session of the UNGA, opening on September 9, carries the theme &ldquo;Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.&rdquo; A commemorative meeting will be held on September 22 to mark the UN&rsquo;s anniversary, followed by the high-level debate from September 23 to 29.
According to the revised list of speakers, Jaishankar is scheduled to address the Assembly on September 27. Earlier, a provisional July schedule had listed PM Modi to speak on September 26. On the same day, leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are also expected to address the debate.
The UNGA has clarified that the speaker lineup remains provisional and could be revised as the session approaches. Adjustments are common in the weeks leading to the high-level week.
India&rsquo;s decision to field its foreign minister instead of the prime minister is seen as a shift in strategy, aligning with diplomatic priorities and Jaishankar&rsquo;s increasing role on the global stage.

PM Modi to Skip UNGA;Jaishankar to Speak for India

EAM Jaishankar likely to represent India at UNGA’s 80th session this month

PM Modi to Skip UNGA;Jaishankar to Speak for India

EAM Jaishankar likely to represent India at UNGA’s 80th session this month

September 6, 2025 | 14:37 IST