Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to New York next month to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to the provisional list of speakers released for the high-level debate, the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to address the General Assembly on the morning of September 26, 2025. The UNGA session itself will commence on September 9, with the high-level debate taking place between September 23 and 29.

The same day, leaders of China, Pakistan, Israel, and Bangladesh are also slated to address the assembly. The session will feature speeches from several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who will speak on September 23—his first UNGA address since beginning his second term in office. It is important to note that the current speaker list is provisional, and adjustments could be made in the coming weeks.

Possible Modi–Trump Meeting on Sidelines

Sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump could also hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA. The potential meeting gains significance as both countries are navigating a period of economic strain and trade disagreements.

PM Modi last visited the United States in February 2025 for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. That meeting concluded with a joint statement announcing plans to negotiate the first tranche of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), targeted for completion by the fall of 2025.

Trade Tensions Between India and the US

While negotiations for the BTA were underway, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil and weaponry—a move he claimed was helping to fuel the ongoing war in Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, the US announced a further 25% tariff, taking the total levy to 50%, with the additional tariffs scheduled to take effect from August 27, 2025.

India has strongly objected to these measures, labelling them as “unjustified and unreasonable”. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the government will take all possible steps to protect national interests and economic security. The MEA emphasised that India remains committed to pursuing fair and balanced trade relations while safeguarding its strategic independence, including its defence and energy partnerships.

International Reactions to the Tariffs

The tariff dispute has not gone unnoticed internationally. Russia and China have expressed support for India’s stance, highlighting the importance of sovereign nations maintaining independent foreign policy choices without facing economic coercion. On the other hand, the US administration maintains that its tariff measures are justified and claims they have already had a negative impact on Russia's economy.

UNGA Address: A Strategic Opportunity

PM Modi’s upcoming UNGA address is expected to cover a broad spectrum of issues, from global peace and security to climate change, sustainable development, and economic cooperation. Given the current geopolitical climate, his speech will likely also touch upon multilateralism, trade fairness, and the need for reform in global governance institutions.

The visit offers an opportunity for India to present its perspectives on pressing international challenges, strengthen diplomatic relationships, and address bilateral tensions directly with the US leadership. If the Modi–Trump meeting materialises, it could serve as a critical platform to reset or recalibrate trade discussions, especially with the BTA negotiations hanging in the balance.

Key Dates for the 80th UNGA Session

• Session start date: September 9, 2025

• High-level debate: September 23–29, 2025

• PM Modi's provisional speech date: September 26, 2025

• Trump's provisional speech date: September 23, 2025

• Potential Modi–Trump bilateral meeting: To be confirmed

As the situation develops, attention will remain on whether this high-profile visit will ease India–US tensions or further expose differences over trade, strategic alignments, and global governance priorities.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are LGT Business Connextions, Vikram Solar, Gem Aromatics, Studio LSD, Shreeji Shipping Global, Patel Retail.

The Current active IPO are Regaal Resources, Mahendra Realtors and Infrastructure, Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle, Icodex Publishing Solutions.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.