Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to skip the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month represents a major change in India’s diplomatic calendar. Traditionally, the General Debate at the UNGA is considered one of the most important global platforms where world leaders outline their national priorities, express positions on pressing international issues, and engage in indirect exchanges with rivals and partners alike. Modi’s absence from this stage means India will be represented at the ministerial level rather than by its head of government, which naturally shifts both the optics and the weight of India’s participation.
The task of delivering India’s statement has now been entrusted to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat and one of the most articulate members of the Modi government. Scheduled to address the Assembly on September 27, Jaishankar’s presence signals India’s intent to maintain strong engagement at the UNGA, even in the Prime Minister’s absence. Given his diplomatic background and his frequent involvement in complex global negotiations, Jaishankar is well-positioned to handle sensitive issues and put forward India’s perspective in a manner that aligns with the government’s broader foreign policy agenda.
The initial schedule released in July had Modi speaking on September 26, the same day that leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are expected to take the podium. This lineup was significant because these nations represent both allies and adversaries in India’s geopolitical landscape. Modi’s withdrawal means that India will miss the opportunity to directly counter or complement these leaders’ statements on a globally visible stage, particularly if Pakistan or China were to make remarks directed at India. Such occasions often provide a chance for high-level rebuttals and sharp messaging, which will now fall to Jaishankar.
Meanwhile, the General Debate itself promises to be closely followed around the world. As per UN tradition, Brazil will open the session, and the United States will follow immediately. On September 23, US President Donald Trump is set to deliver his address, which will mark his return to the UNGA after reclaiming the White House for a second term. His speech carries added significance, as it comes during a period of heightened scrutiny of US foreign policy and global leadership.
For India, Trump’s participation will be of particular interest given his recent comments critical of New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia. He went so far as to claim that the US had “lost India and Russia to China,” though he later attempted to soften his words by clarifying that he was only “disappointed.” Nonetheless, the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods highlights the underlying tensions in the India-US trade relationship, which could influence the diplomatic tone of both sides at the UNGA.
The absence of Modi also raises questions about the reasons behind his decision. While no official explanation has been given, some speculate that domestic priorities, scheduling conflicts, or the desire to avoid sharing the stage with certain adversarial leaders may have played a role. Others suggest that allowing Jaishankar to represent India could be a strategic decision, as it provides the External Affairs Minister an opportunity to showcase his diplomatic skills and solidify his image as a global statesman.
Ultimately, the upcoming UNGA session is likely to become a stage where subtle diplomacy plays out. Jaishankar will not only be expected to articulate India’s stance on global issues such as climate change, economic recovery, and international security but also to navigate the delicate undercurrents of India-US relations in the aftermath of Trump’s criticism. His address will serve as a key indicator of how India plans to balance its independent foreign policy with the pressures of great power politics.
