External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, representing India during the annual high-level General Debate attended by world leaders and senior diplomats.
Jaishankar to Represent India at UNGA 2026
NEW DELHI, September 5, 2026. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver India’s national address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, according to the provisional programme for this year’s high-level session.
The address will give India an important platform to outline its positions on major international challenges, multilateral cooperation and issues affecting developing countries. The 81st session of the 193-member UN General Assembly formally opens on September 8.
UN General Debate Begins on September 22
The high-level General Debate is scheduled from September 22 to September 26 and will conclude on September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York. During the annual debate, heads of state, governments and senior ministers present their countries’ priorities on international peace, development, security and global cooperation.
The UN says this year’s high-level week will focus on strengthening international cooperation amid interconnected global challenges.
Trump Among Leaders Scheduled to Speak
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 22, according to the programme cited in the report. Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman will preside over the year-long 81st session.
Jaishankar’s September 26 appearance will place India among the countries presenting their national positions during one of the most closely watched diplomatic gatherings of the year.
India’s Global Priorities in Focus
While the detailed agenda of Jaishankar’s speech has not yet been announced, India has regularly used the UNGA platform to raise issues including reform of multilateral institutions, terrorism, development priorities of the Global South and stronger international cooperation.
Jaishankar has represented India at previous General Assembly sessions as well, making the upcoming address another significant opportunity to present New Delhi’s foreign-policy priorities to the international community. The UN has set the theme for the 81st session around restoring trust, managing transformation and building an organisation capable of delivering effectively for all.
