PM Modi Sends Best Wishes to Trump as EAM Jaishankar Attends Swearing-In Ceremony in Washington DC

GG News Bureau
Washington DC, 21st Jan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the grand swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump at the US Capitol on Monday, marking a significant diplomatic moment. Jaishankar, who was invited by the incoming Trump administration, is among a select few world leaders to be present at the occasion. The Minister is reportedly carrying a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump, who commenced his second term in office today.

Prime Minister Modi was one of the first to congratulate Donald Trump after his oath of office, expressing his anticipation for continued cooperation. “Congratulations my dear friend President Donald Trump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!” Modi said in a statement.

During the inauguration, Jaishankar was seated in the front row, directly in front of President Trump as he delivered his first speech as the 47th President. India and the US share a strategic partnership, and Jaishankar’s attendance underscored the strength of this bilateral relationship. The External Affairs Minister also participated in a special prayer ceremony organized ahead of the swearing-in.

“Privileged to represent India as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the swearing-in ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC. Attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church this morning,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to hold meetings with key representatives of the incoming Trump administration, as well as other senior dignitaries visiting the US for the occasion. His presence aligns with India’s diplomatic tradition of sending special envoys to the swearing-in ceremonies of foreign heads of state.

Jaishankar arrived in Washington a day earlier and held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The two discussed key areas of cooperation, including political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges between their respective nations.