Modi may visit US again in September; here is why another high-profile tour is likely

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, according to a provisional list of speakers issued by the world body on Tuesday (18).

The general debate of the 78th session will kick off on September 19 with Brazil and the US as the traditional first speakers.

The provisional list indicates that India's "Head of Government" will deliver an address on the afternoon of September 22. However, the list is subject to change and schedules in the coming weeks.

Modi did not attend the UN General Assembly session last year. Indian external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar went instead.

The high-level session at the United Nations headquarters in New York in September is considered the "busiest diplomatic season" of the year. The 78th session of the assembly will officially begin on September 5.

During the week, world leaders will gather for important events such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, the Climate Ambitions Summit and the General Debate.

The 2023 SDG Summit, which aims to accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals, is scheduled for September 18-19.

This summit will provide high-level political guidance and foster transformative actions leading up to 2030.

In June, Modi led a yoga session at the UN headquarters to commemorate the ninth International Day of Yoga. This event marked the culmination of his efforts, as he had proposed the idea of International Yoga Day during his speech at the UN General Assembly nine years ago.

Following his visit to the UN headquarters, the Indian prime minister travelled to Washington DC for his first state visit hosted by US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.

(With agency inputs)