What happened?
On September 5, 2025The United Nations released a revised list of speakers for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, confirming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not deliver India’s address at the annual high-level General Debate later this month. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India and speak on September 27. The session opens on September 9, while the General Debate runs from September 23 to 29, beginning with Brazil and followed by the United States, where President Donald Trump will give his first UNGA speech of his second term. The updated schedule replaces an earlier list from July, which had includedPM Modi as India’s speaker.
Why it matters to India
Having India’s voice at the UNGA remains significant as the session’s theme—peace, development, and human rights— aligns with New Delhi’s foreign policy priorities. EAM Jaishankar’s presence also reflects India’s pragmatic approach to managing multiple international engagements while maintaining its influence on pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainable growth, and multilateral reforms.