External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Attend Trump’s Swearing-In as US President

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 in Washington, DC. According to an official statement from the Centre, Dr. Jaishankar has been invited by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to represent the Government of India at the event.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place in front of the US Capitol, where Trump will take the oath of office administered by the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Following the oath, Trump will deliver his inaugural address, marking the official transfer of power. Outgoing President Joe Biden is expected to attend the event.

During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will also engage with representatives from the incoming Trump administration and other dignitaries to strengthen bilateral ties.

Several global leaders have reportedly been invited to the inauguration. Confirmed attendees include Argentina's President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Hungary's Viktor Orban has expressed interest in attending.

Donald Trump, aged 78, previously served as the 45th President of the United States from January 2017 to January 2021. This inauguration marks his return to office, following his defeat in the 2020 Presidential elections. Notably, Trump had skipped Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021.