External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The invitation for Dr. Jaishankar’s attendance was extended by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee. This visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two nations as the new US administration begins its term. In addition to attending the ceremony, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to engage in discussions with officials from the incoming US administration and interact with other global dignitaries attending the event in Washington, DC.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs shared this news on X on Sunday, January 12.
The inauguration of President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance is anticipated to mark a new chapter in US domestic and foreign policy. India, a key ally, will closely monitor the new administration’s approach to matters such as H1-B visa reforms, supply chain resilience, and the Indo-Pacific region.
The ceremony, set for January 20, coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday in the United States. Among the foreign dignitaries expected to attend the event are Argentine President Javier Milei, British political figure Nigel Farage, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and a leader from a right-wing French political party.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was also invited to the ceremony, but passport issues may prevent him from attending. Chinese President Xi Jinping was also invited but will send a high-ranking envoy instead.
Inauguration Timing
The ceremony will begin at 12:00 pm Eastern Time (10:30 pm Indian Standard Time) on January 20.
Inauguration Day Schedule
While the complete schedule is yet to be confirmed by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), the key events will include:
- The Swearing-In Ceremony
- The President’s Room Signing Ceremony
- Inaugural Luncheon
- Review of the Troops
- Presidential Parade and Reception
- Inaugural Balls
Where to Watch the Ceremony
The event will be broadcast live on major networks like NBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and CSPAN, among others.
How to Attend
Tickets to attend the inauguration are limited and can only be requested through members of Congress. The US government states that these tickets are free and provide access to the Capitol grounds, where the President and Vice President will take their oaths of office.
