India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to Represent India at Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The MEA statement confirmed that Dr. Jaishankar has been invited by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to attend the event, where Donald Trump will officially take office as the 47th President of the United States. “On the invitation of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald J. Trump,” the ministry noted.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar is also expected to engage with representatives from the incoming administration as well as other dignitaries present at the ceremony, further strengthening diplomatic ties between India and the United States.
Donald Trump is set to take the presidential oath at noon on January 20, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will also be sworn in prior to the presidential inauguration.
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) recently announced the theme for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies as “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise,” which honors the Founding Fathers’ commitment to preserving democracy for future generations.
In a moment of reflection, US flags will be flown at half-staff during the inauguration in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. President Joe Biden has ordered the flags to remain lowered for 30 days, until sunset on January 28.
Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election was officially certified by the United States Congress on January 6, marking the final step toward his return to the White House. The certification validated the Electoral College results from the November election.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony signifies the commencement of Trump’s second term as President of the United States, as he prepares to resume leadership of the country.
