The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to convene its 80th session in New York this month, bringing together world leaders for the annual high-level General Debate. Yet, one of the notable absences from the prestigious podium this year will be Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the revised provisional list of speakers released by the UN, Modi will not deliver India’s address. Instead, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the country on September 27.

This shift comes at a delicate moment in India’s foreign policy and economic landscape, particularly as relations with the United States are being tested by a new wave of protectionist tariffs from the Trump administration. While Modi has sought to downplay the strain and reaffirm his country’s commitment to its “positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership” with Washington, the timing of his decision not to attend UNGA has sparked debate in New Delhi and beyond.

Traditionally, the Indian Prime Minister’s presence at the UNGA carries both symbolic and practical weight. In July’s initial speaker list, Modi had been scheduled to address the General Debate on September 26, a day reserved for high-profile interventions by the heads of government of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. His absence from this lineup is striking, given that India often uses the stage to assert its position on issues such as global security, terrorism, climate change, and reform of the multilateral system.

Analysts argue that Modi’s decision could be strategic. By deputing Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat known for his pragmatism and deep understanding of global affairs, India may be seeking to avoid unnecessary political drama at a time when trade relations with the United States are under intense pressure. The optics of Modi........

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