By Ria Jain
Sources state that Prime Minister Modi will be visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which will open from September 9th, 2025. The Head of Government is expected to attend the high level General Debate in the last week of September, and address the session on the morning of September 26th 2025. The Government Heads of Israel, Bangladesh, Pakistan along with China will also address the UNGA session.
Another key reason for this visit will be to meet President Donald Trump, work on the ongoing trade issues and find common ground on tariffs. This follows Trump’s decision to bump up the tariffs on Delhi up to 50% out of which 25% were levied on August 6 for purchasing crude oil from Russia. The remaining 25% will be levied on products exported by India to the U.S, thus making the implementation to aforementioned 50%.
Following these tariffs, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that it was an unreasonable and unjustified target on the country and also reiterated that India would choose to safeguard its national interests. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
In February, PM Modi travelled to the US and met Trump regarding the bilateral meeting. What followed was a joint statement released by the two countries stating their plans to negotiate the first half of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. The idea was to benefit both the countries, however Trump announced the tariffs. Although the U.S team is set to visit India on August 25, for the sixth session of these negotiations, where they expect to end the first half of the pact.
Prior to the UNGA, Trump will meet President Putin on August 15, in Alaska in order to have a discussion regarding the end of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions. It stems from the belief that “we have a shot” at a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
The UNGA list is provisional and may be subject to changes with change in the schedule. Being under the umbrella of ‘Busiest Diplomatic Season’, this high level debate will start in September this year, as always. This year it will run from September 23-29 and revolve around the Israel- Hamas conflict as well as the Ukraine and Russia war. With Brazil following the tradition of being the first speaker, followed by the US. Furthermore, at the UNGA, President Donald Trump will address the United Nations Assembly for the very first time in this second term of him serving as the President.