Donald Trump Inauguration: Jaishankar to Represent India at Swearing-In Ceremony on January 20

Washington, D.C. –

Donald Trump Inauguration: Former US President Donald Trump is set to return to the White House as he takes the presidential oath of office on January 20. The oath will be administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at noon Eastern Time, in front of the US Capitol. Alongside Trump, JD Vance will also be sworn in as Vice President of the United States.

India will be represented at the ceremony by External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday. During his visit, Jaishankar is also expected to meet with key representatives of the Trump administration, underscoring the strategic importance of the India-US partnership.

Jaishankar has previously spoken about India’s confidence in its relationship with the United States during Trump’s presidency. Reflecting on Trump’s victory, he remarked, “While many countries were anxious about the US election results, India was not among them.” He further highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to speak with Trump following his election win.

Trump’s inauguration follows the certification of his electoral victory on January 6. His victory, securing 312 electoral votes compared to Kamala Harris’s 226, marked a decisive outcome. The certification process concluded smoothly, with no objections raised during the formal announcement in Congress.

The January 20 ceremony will be a culmination of weeks of preparation and signify the transition of power from incumbent President Joe Biden to Donald Trump. It comes nearly two weeks after Trump’s electoral victory was declared official.

The occasion will not only symbolize Trump’s return to the White House but also chart a new phase in US-India relations under his administration. Jaishankar’s presence at the event highlights India’s intent to strengthen ties with the Republican leadership.

Meanwhile, the Vice President-elect, JD Vance, will take the oath alongside Trump, marking his ascent to one of the highest offices in the country.

This historic moment is set against the backdrop of global anticipation, as leaders and citizens alike await the policies and changes the Trump administration will bring in its new term.