External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on Jan.20, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday.
According to the MEA, Jaishankar’s visit follows an invitation from the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. “During the visit, EAM will also have meetings with representatives of the incoming administration, as also some other dignitaries visiting the US on that occasion,” the ministry stated.
Ahead of Trump 2.0 Jaishankar went on a recent six-day trip to Washington, DC, from Dec.24 to 29, where he met with outgoing Biden administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan. On Dec.9, he held wide-ranging discussions with Sullivan on the progress of the India-U.S. strategic partnership.
China had initially received an invitation for President Xi Jinping to attend the ceremony, seen as an effort to ease ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions between the two nations. However, Xi has since declined the invitation, opting instead to send either Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi to represent China.
Trump’s second inauguration is set to draw a host of world leaders, many from the nationalist and conservative spectrum, reflecting his global political alliances.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his libertarian economic policies, has confirmed his attendance. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, recognized for his tough anti-crime policies and centralized leadership style, will also be present.
Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been invited and is expected to attend, pending scheduling adjustments. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a vocal critic of the European Union and proponent of nationalist policies, is also expected at the event.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, facing legal challenges back home, has received an invitation, but his attendance remains uncertain. Far-right French politician Éric Zemmour has also been invited, aligning with the broader conservative vision represented at the event.
Jaishankar’s attendance at the high-profile event signals India’s intent to engage closely with the Trump administration on issues including defense cooperation, trade, and technological collaboration. His scheduled meetings with members of Trump’s incoming administration are expected to reinforce bilateral ties, which have seen significant growth in recent years.
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