External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. Jaishankar’s visit will also include meetings with key representatives of the incoming U.S. administration and other dignitaries present at the event.
The Government of India confirmed Jaishankar’s participation in the ceremony following an invitation from the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. The inauguration will take place at noon (Eastern Time) on January 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where Trump will take the presidential oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
The inauguration of Vice President-elect JD Vance will precede Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has chosen the theme “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise” for the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, honoring the Founding Fathers’ commitment to preserving the democratic system for future generations.
In a solemn tribute, U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff during the ceremony to honor the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. This will remain in effect until January 28 at sunset, as per President Biden’s directive.
The United States Congress officially certified Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election on January 6, finalizing the Electoral College results and clearing the way for his inauguration. The ceremony, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris, concluded without incident and was a formal confirmation of Trump’s return to the White House.
Jaishankar’s presence at this significant event underscores the importance of U.S.-India relations as the new U.S. administration takes office.
