*New York, August 25, 2025* – The upcoming 80th session of the UnitedNations General Assembly (UNGA) is shaping up to be a major diplomaticshowdown, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Prime MinisterNarendra Modi of India are both scheduled to address the high-level GeneralDebate on *September 26, 2025*. Their back-to-back appearances mark a rareoccurrence in recent years, making this one of the most closely watchedsessions in the assembly’s history.
Traditionally, India has been represented at the UNGA by its foreignminister, but this year Prime Minister Modi will personally lead the Indiandelegation. The decision reflects New Delhi’s intent to give added weightto its diplomatic presence on the world stage, particularly against thebackdrop of global crises and heightened regional tensions. According tothe UN’s provisional list of speakers, Pakistan’s turn comes directly afterIndia’s, allowing Islamabad a rare opportunity to respond immediately toDelhi’s remarks.
Diplomatic insiders say Pakistan plans to focus its address on core issues,particularly *Kashmir*, as well as *Balochistan*, *Khyber Pakhtunkhwa*, andwider questions of *regional peace and stability*. If required, Islamabadmay also invoke its Right of Reply, with veteran diplomat *Saima Saleem*prepared to deliver Pakistan’s official rebuttal to India’s statement. Thissequencing of speeches is expected to turn the UNGA floor into a highlysymbolic arena for South Asia’s two nuclear-armed rivals.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead a high-level delegation to NewYork, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Advisor to the PrimeMinister Tariq Fatemi. For Pakistan, the event represents not only anopportunity to counter India’s position but also to present its stance onbroader international challenges, including the humanitarian crisis inGaza, the war in Ukraine, and ongoing disputes over regional security.
Observers note that the United States is likely to use the sidelines of theGeneral Assembly for discreet diplomacy between Pakistan and India.Washington has often played a backchannel role during moments of heightenedSouth Asian tension, and with both leaders present at the same high-levelplatform, analysts believe the UNGA could serve as a rare opening fordialogue.
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The 80th session of the General Assembly will officially open on *September9, 2025*, under the presidency of *Annalena Baerbock of Germany*, who waselected in June. The high-level debate runs from *September 23 to 29*,featuring several major events alongside national statements. Aclimate-related summit is scheduled for *September 24*, while *September 26*,the day Sharif and Modi address the Assembly, will also host a specialmeeting to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of NuclearWeapons.
India’s decision to send Modi instead of the foreign minister underscoresthe significance it attaches to this year’s gathering, particularly at atime when both South Asian countries are seeking to project influence amidglobal turbulence. Pakistan, meanwhile, sees the rare speaking sequence asan opportunity to place its narrative before the international community indirect contrast to New Delhi’s position.
As global conflicts—from the Middle East to Eastern Europe—dominateheadlines, the speeches of Sharif and Modi are expected to draw intenseinternational scrutiny. For South Asia, the rare alignment of schedules atUNGA 80 could either sharpen rivalry or open the door, however slightly, torenewed dialogue.