New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s decision to Modi skip UN session scheduled for later this month in New York has created significant diplomatic ripples amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. The choice for Modi skip UN session comes at a particularly sensitive time when President Donald Trump has imposed substantial punitive tariffs on India for its continued oil purchases from Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India in place of Prime Minister Modi at the prestigious international gathering. This diplomatic substitution marks a notable departure from traditional high-level Indian representation at one of the world’s most important multilateral forums.
The decision for Modi skip UN session occurs during what is considered the “busiest diplomatic season” of the year at United Nations Headquarters, when world leaders traditionally gather to address global challenges and bilateral concerns.
UN General Assembly Schedule and Arrangements
According to the official speakers’ list issued by the United Nations, both Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump were initially scheduled to address the annual session. The high-level General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly is set to take place from September 23 to 29, following the traditional format where Brazil opens the session, followed by the United States.
India is scheduled to address the Assembly on the morning of September 27, making the timing of the decision to Modi skip UN session particularly significant given the current state of India-US relations. The substitution of the External Affairs Minister for the Prime Minister represents a calculated diplomatic move during this critical period.
The choice for Modi skip UN session will be especially notable given that this year’s session occurs against the backdrop of major global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, making the gathering particularly significant for international diplomacy.
Escalating India-US Tariff Tensions
The decision for Modi skip UN session cannot be separated from the deteriorating trade relationship between India and the United States. President Trump’s administration has implemented aggressive tariff measures specifically targeting India’s energy procurement policies, creating unprecedented tensions between the two strategic partners.
Trump imposed a substantial 25 percent additional tariff on India specifically for purchasing Russian oil, bringing the overall imposed tariff rate to a punitive 50 percent. This dramatic escalation in trade tensions provides crucial context for understanding the strategic calculation behind the choice to Modi skip UN session.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs has characterized Trump’s tariff measures as “unjustified and unreasonable,” indicating the depth of diplomatic disagreement that likely influenced the decision for Modi skip UN session. The ministry emphasized that “like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”
February Bilateral Meeting and Broken Promises
The current crisis that led to the decision for Modi skip UN session stands in stark contrast to the optimistic tone of earlier diplomatic engagement. In February this year, Prime Minister Modi traveled to the United States for a bilateral meeting with President Trump at the White House, demonstrating the previously positive trajectory of the relationship.
Following that February meeting, both leaders issued a joint statement announcing ambitious plans to negotiate the first part of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) that would prove mutually beneficial by the fall of 2025. This agreement was positioned as a framework for enhanced economic cooperation between the world’s largest democracies.
However, the subsequent imposition of punitive tariffs has effectively derailed these negotiations, creating the hostile environment that contributed to the strategic decision for Modi skip UN session. The contrast between February’s diplomatic optimism and the current crisis illustrates how rapidly international relationships can deteriorate.
Diplomatic Representation Strategy
The choice for Modi skip UN session while sending External Affairs Minister Jaishankar represents a carefully calculated diplomatic strategy. This approach allows India to maintain its presence and voice at the crucial international forum while avoiding potentially awkward direct encounters between Modi and Trump during this period of heightened tensions.
Jaishankar’s extensive diplomatic experience and his role in managing India’s complex international relationships make him an appropriate representative during this challenging period. His representation ensures that India’s positions on global issues will be articulated effectively, even as the decision for Modi skip UN session sends its own diplomatic message.
Global Context and Timing Significance
The timing of the decision for Modi skip UN session is particularly significant given the global context of the 2025 UN General Assembly session. With major international conflicts requiring coordinated diplomatic responses, the absence of key leaders can impact the effectiveness of multilateral discussions and consensus-building efforts.
The choice for Modi skip UN session during such a critical period demonstrates the serious nature of current India-US tensions and India’s willingness to prioritize bilateral relationship management over traditional diplomatic participation protocols.
