India and the US are set to strengthen their relations under President Donald Trump. This was clear during his inauguration on Monday. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar attended the event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy. He was given a seat in the front row, alongside Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. This marked a notable shift in protocol.
Jaishankar’s Key Role
At the Capitol Rotunda, Jaishankar sat in the front row, while Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya was seated two rows behind. Jaishankar carried a letter from PM Modi for President Trump.
On X, he expressed his pride, stating: “Privileged to represent as external affairs minister and special envoy of the PM at the swearing-in ceremony of the 47th President of the United States today in Washington DC.”
Privileged to represent 🇮🇳 as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC.
Attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church this morning.
🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ktod8SdbpI
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025
Modi’s Congratulations and Future Collaboration
Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Trump on his inauguration. He looked forward to working closely with him to benefit both nations. On X, he wrote: “Congratulations my dear friend President Donald Trump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!”
Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2025
Engagements and Discussions
Jaishankar engaged with foreign ministers from Australia and Japan, discussing bilateral and Quad-related issues. He also shared a photo with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shortly after Trump took office.
Along with fellow Foreign Ministers at the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony. pic.twitter.com/DlBmj13fJX
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025
Inaugural Day Traditions
Jaishankar participated in the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St. John’s Church, a traditional event before the swearing-in. President Trump took his oath of office, holding both a family Bible and President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible. Vice President JD Vance was sworn in earlier, with a family heirloom Bible administered by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
