Not Modi, Jaishankar to Represent India at UN
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the country at the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend this year’s General Assembly session. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Mr. Jaishankar will deliver India’s national statement at the general debate on September 26 and participate in several bilateral and multilateral meetings during his visit.
On September 20, local time, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Mr. Jaishankar would lead the Indian delegation during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York. Mr. Modi did not attend the high-level General Assembly session last year too, when Mr. Jaishankar represented India.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly began on September 8. The high-level general debate will begin on September 22 and continue through September 26, with proceedings also scheduled for September 28. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the general debate on September 24. Pakistan’s prime minister is also scheduled to speak at the session the following day. During the general debate, heads of state and government, along with senior representatives from various countries, present their respective national positions and priorities.
The theme of this year’s 81st session is “Building Trust and Managing Transformation: Delivering for All.” According to the United Nations, the high-level week will focus on global issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, health and artificial intelligence.
In addition to addressing the UN General Assembly, Mr. Jaishankar’s visit includes bilateral and multilateral meetings with representatives from various countries. Highlighting India’s priorities on UN reform, global conflicts and the international system will also be an important part of the country’s diplomatic engagements during the visit.
An initial schedule released in August had listed Prime Minister Modi to deliver his address at the general debate on September 25. Later, responsibility for leading the Indian delegation and delivering the national statement was assigned to Mr. Jaishankar.
Source: Hindustan Times, The Indian Express
