US President Donald Trump will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 22, the White House has announced. This will be Trump’s first appearance at the global forum since beginning his second term in January.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump is expected to highlight his “America First” agenda, focusing on tariffs and trade policies that he argues are essential to protecting US interests.
During his first term, Trump’s UNGA speeches often drew global attention for their sharp tone. In 2017, he threatened to “totally destroy North Korea” while mocking Kim Jong-un as “Rocket Man.”
He also called the Iran nuclear deal an “embarrassment.” Later addresses doubled down on nationalism, tariffs on China, and attacks on globalism. By 2020, his remarks were largely focused on blaming China for the Covid-19 pandemic.
High stakes for India
Trump’s renewed push for tariffs is of particular concern to India. The US has already imposed a 50 per cent duty on Indian goods, half for what Washington calls high Indian tariffs and the other half as a penalty for Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The timing is crucial. On August 15, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine, a conflict that directly impacts India’s diplomatic and economic interests.
Will PM Modi share the stage?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name features on a provisional list of speakers at this year’s UNGA. While the Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed his travel plans, preparations are underway for him to speak on September 26, according to the several media reports.
If confirmed, this would set the stage for a high-profile Indian presence just days after Trump’s speech. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already hinted at a possible meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the UNGA.
In recent weeks, Modi has spoken separately with both Putin and Zelenskyy, underlining India’s interest in a resolution to the war. New Delhi has also contacted UN headquarters to finalise a speaking slot for the Prime Minister.
Whether Modi eventually makes the trip to New York remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on the Indian leader as Trump takes the global stage with his fiery return.