Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the General Debate at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), according to the revised provisional speakers’ list. Instead, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the country and deliver the address on September 27.

The annual high-level session is set to open on September 9, with the General Debate scheduled between September 23 and 29. PM Modi was earlier listed to speak on September 26, but the slot has now been reassigned.

This year’s UNGA comes at a time of escalating international tensions, with the Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine dominating global discussions. The theme chosen for the 80th session is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”

Following tradition, Brazil will open the debate, while US President Donald Trump will deliver his first UNGA speech of his second term on September 23. The same week will see high-profile interventions from leaders of Israel, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, making September 26 a particularly high-stakes day at the Assembly.

India’s presence will be marked by Dr. Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat who has become the key face of Indian foreign policy on the global stage. His address is expected to underline India’s approach to peacebuilding, sustainable development, reforms in multilateral institutions, and cooperation in areas like climate action, health, and emerging technologies.

Beyond the General Debate, the UNGA’s 80th session will also feature special commemorations for the UN’s anniversary, a Climate Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General, and thematic discussions on gender equality, economic resilience, AI governance, and minority rights.