Significance of Narendra Modi’s Absence from UNGA
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a historic occasion for the whole world, but surprisingly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not attend the session. The Significance of Narendra Modi’s Absence from the UNGA surprised observers of world politics, as Modi has always highlighted India’s global image with his presence on the UN platform.
This time, his absence becomes more meaningful when we see that Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army Chief held important meetings with the US President in Washington. These meetings have given a new direction to the geopolitical situation in South Asia, which seems to be affecting India’s diplomatic strategy.
S Jaishankar’s role at the UN and BJP’s Hindutva agenda
In the absence of Narendra Modi, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the General Assembly. His speech included Sanskrit phrases like “self-reliance, self-protection, and self-confidence”, which were intended to highlight Indian cultural identity. At the same time, he repeatedly used the word “India”, which represents the Hindutva agenda of the ruling party, the BJP.
This style of speech not only reflects India’s internal ideology but also presents its own unique narrative on a global scale. But critics say that such words cannot be very effective in the complex environment of international relations, especially when challenges are increasing on the diplomatic front.
8171 Web Portal 2025: Confirm 13,500 PKR Kafalat Payment & CNIC Registration
Trilateral diplomacy of Pakistan, the US, China, and Russia
On this occasion, Pakistan strengthened its presence on the international stage. Warm meetings of the Pakistani Prime Minister and the Army Chief with the US President were in the news around the world. Pakistan is not only getting closer to Washington, but is also actively pursuing its relations with Beijing and Moscow.
This tripartite diplomacy is a cause for concern for India, as maintaining Pakistan’s balance in South Asia has been a key component of India’s foreign policy. Now that Pakistan is simultaneously establishing close ties with global powers, India needs to review its policy.
India’s counter-diplomatic efforts and their failure
Narendra Modi tried to show a diplomatic inclination towards China and Russia by staying away from the UN meeting. He attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Similarly, a “time-tested friendship” was also reiterated with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, despite these efforts, observers say that they are insufficient to hide India’s global isolation. Modi’s use of words like “sovereignty” and “territorial integrity” is being taken as an indirect criticism of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which reflects India’s frustration.
Observers’ opinion: Pressure on New Delhi’s foreign policy
International analysts believe that Narendra Modi’s non-attendance at the UNGA meeting is a major turning point in India’s foreign policy. Pakistan’s increasing activities on the global stage and close ties with the US, China, and Russia are confusing New Delhi’s diplomatic strategy.
Modi’s policy has always relied on strong relations with the US, especially through bilateral meetings during UN meetings. But this time, US priorities seem to be changing, and Pakistan’s position is becoming more prominent.
Act Fast: Honhaar Scholarship Deadline Pushed Forward, Punjab Students Encouraged to Apply