20 August,2026 11:51 AM IST | United Nations | mid-day online correspondent
PM Modi. File pic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address world leaders during the high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, according to a preliminary schedule released ahead of the annual gathering.
Modi's proposed address is scheduled for the afternoon session, which is currently listed as running from 3 pm to 9 pm New York time. In India, this corresponds to the early hours of September 26.
The timing could, however, be revised when the final speaking schedule is released. The programme may be adjusted to make the Prime Minister's address more convenient for audiences watching in India.
Modi has participated in six high-level United Nations sessions since becoming Prime Minister, beginning with his appearance in 2014.
The upcoming gathering will be held during the 81st session of the General Assembly, which will be presided over by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. He was elected president of the General Assembly in June.
The theme for the new session is "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
The theme comes at a time when the UN is dealing with multiple geopolitical conflicts, questions over multilateral cooperation and growing challenges linked to global security and development.
The high-level week is scheduled to begin on September 22, bringing presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and senior government representatives from across the world to New York.
Traditionally, Brazil's president delivers the opening address, followed by the President of the United States.
Under UN protocol, heads of state, including presidents and monarchs, are generally given speaking slots before heads of government and other senior representatives.
Beyond the formal speeches in the General Assembly chamber, the high-level week is also expected to feature hundreds of bilateral and informal meetings among world leaders and senior officials.
Several major international figures are listed to address the General Assembly during the week.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the opening day.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, are not currently listed in the preliminary schedule.
Xi is reportedly expected to travel to Washington for a summit with Trump during the same week instead of attending the UN gathering.
The ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are also expected to add significance to this year's UNGA discussions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 23, potentially bringing the latest developments involving Tehran and the strategic waterway into focus.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine will also feature prominently, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov listed among the speakers.
Pakistan PM also scheduled for September 25
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently scheduled to address the General Assembly during the same afternoon session as Modi on September 25.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is listed for September 24, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also scheduled to speak on the same day.
The presence of leaders from countries involved in ongoing geopolitical disputes is expected to make the high-level week an important platform for diplomatic engagement.
While speeches from the General Assembly podium traditionally attract global attention, the UNGA high-level week also provides an opportunity for leaders to hold bilateral meetings and discuss issues away from the public spotlight.
For India, Modi's participation is expected to provide an opportunity to engage with other world leaders on bilateral ties, global security, development and India's role in multilateral institutions.
The final schedule is expected to be confirmed closer to the opening of the 81st General Assembly session. Modi's September 25 speaking slot therefore remains subject to possible changes in timing and programme arrangements.
(With inputs from IANS)
