No call yet on PM Modi’s visit for UNGA session

No decision has been taken so far on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session at the end of September, sources said on Wednesday.

Modi’s name has been included in the schedule for heads of state and government who are expected to address the UNGA. This has triggered speculation about a possible visit by Modi to the US. Two days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s had spoken to the PM on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Thereafter, he posted that “we agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly”. This further fuelled the speculation of the PM's likely visit to the US.

The sources said a decision on the visit would be taken closer to the holding of the UNGA session in New York. The debate at the UNGA opens on September 23 and concludes on September 29.

In the list of speakers at the UNGA, India’s head of government is slotted to speak on September 26.

Under the present circumstances, Modi’s visit to the US in September is unlikely. In the past too, Indian prime ministers have opted out of addressing the UNGA.

Also, the India-US ties are at a two-decade low, with US President Donald Trump having imposed punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian crude oil.

Trump has repeatedly claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan to end hostilities during Operation Sindoor (May 7-10). His claim has also led to friction, as New Delhi does not accept any mediation in matters related to Pakistan.