Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States.
The high-level general debate, scheduled from September 23 to 29, is now likely to see India being represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who may address the assembly on September 27.
Earlier provisional lists had Modi slated to speak on September 26. The UNGA session will officially start on September 9, with Brazil as the first speaker, followed by the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the assembly on September 23.
The decision comes amid rising tensions between India and the U.S. over a tax dispute related to oil imports from Russia.
While the exact reason for Modi’s absence is unclear, the Russia oil purchase dispute may have influenced the decision. Additionally, following visits to Japan and China, Modi is reported to be focusing on domestic reform priorities.
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