Rama Krishna Sangem
Thanks to downturn in the US- India relations since recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to skip his visit New York later this month. A major reason for this sudden cancellation of Modi’s US tour is uncertainty over a bilateral meeting between him and President Trump. Usually, Indian PMs meet the US president whenever they visit New York for UNAG annual address. This year, the situation is that cordial between the two heads of the governments.
PM will not address the General Debate at the high-level 80th session of the UN General Assembly later this month. Instead, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver India’s statement on September 27, according to a revised list of speakers issued on Friday.
An earlier list released in July had slated PM Modi to speak on September 26, a day when the heads of government of Israel, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh are scheduled to address the Assembly. The change means PM Modi will not share the UNGA stage this year with leaders he has frequently encountered on international platforms.
The General Debate will run from September 23–29, with Brazil speaking first, followed by the United States. US President Donald Trump will address world leaders on September 23, marking his first UNGA appearance since returning to the White House for a second term.
Trump’s speech will be closely watched in New Delhi, coming days after he publicly criticised India’s oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine war. Earlier this week, the US President said Washington had “lost India and Russia to China” but later clarified he was only “very disappointed” with India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. He said his administration had imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India as a result.
Trump’s speech will be closely watched in New Delhi, coming days after he publicly criticised India’s oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine war. Earlier this week, the US President said Washington had “lost India and Russia to China” but later clarified he was only “very disappointed” with India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. He said his administration had imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India as a result.
Trump, Modi exchange pleasantries
But, hours after claiming that the United States has “lost” India to China, US President Donald Trump toned down his rhetoric, saying that ties with New Delhi remained “special” and he continued to share a strong personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shortly after the President’s post, PM Modi tweeted that he “appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of India-US ties. This see-saw of relations between Indian and the US are hugely impacted by highly unpredictable social media posts by President Trump since recently.
