External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar will also hand over a special letter from PM Modi to Trump on this occasion. Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of America.
maintaining Indian tradition
According to sources, it is part of India’s tradition for the Indian envoy to attend the presidential swearing-in ceremony. In the past too, India has sent representatives to the swearing-in ceremonies of prominent heads of state and government.
examples of past events
- Nigeria: In May 2023, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Nigeria.
- Maldives: In November 2023, the then Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju attended the swearing-in of the President of Maldives.
- Iran: Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari represented India at the swearing-in of the President of Iran in July 2024.
- Indonesia and Mexico: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Pabitra Margherita attended the swearing-in of the presidents of both countries in October 2024.
- Philippines: Minister of State for External Affairs Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh attended the swearing-in of the President of the Philippines in June 2022.
Importance of Jaishankar’s presence
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s presence at the event reflects the depth of India-US relations and Prime Minister Modi’s desire to enhance cooperation with the Trump administration.
