Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year, a decision widely viewed as a retreat in the face of worsening relations with the United States. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to address the assembly on September 27.
While the annual UNGA debate is a traditional platform for global leaders to engage in high-level diplomacy, Modi’s non-attendance signals increased friction with Washington and represents missed opportunities for crucial bilateral talks. The cancellation also reduces India’s global visibility at a time when major powers are reasserting their influence on the world stage.
The central point of contention is US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% additional tariff on Indian imports due to the country’s purchase of Russian oil. While Modi denounced the measure as “economic selfishness,” his strong rhetoric has had little impact on easing the standoff. Critics suggest the dispute reveals vulnerabilities in his foreign policy, which has increasingly isolated India on sensitive international issues.
Fresh from recent visits to Japan and China, Modi has opted to remain in India, citing a focus on the domestic reforms he pledged in his Independence Day speech. However, analysts speculate the decision may be an attempt to avoid facing difficult questions about India’s recent economic slowdown and its growing reliance on imported energy.
In his public addresses, Modi has championed India’s ambition to become self-reliant through semiconductor manufacturing. Yet, experts caution that this policy is still in its early stages and could be jeopardized by ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions that may deter foreign investment.
