Trump inauguration: EAM Jaishankar was seated prominently in first row alongside notable global leaders
PTC Web Desk: India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar represented India at the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, Jaishankar was seated prominently in the first row alongside notable global leaders during the event held at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday.
S Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s message to the newly sworn-in US President, carrying a letter from the Indian leader as a gesture of goodwill and continued diplomatic cooperation. On microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating:
"Privileged to represent 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."
A great honour to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of @POTUS President Donald J Trump and @VP Vice President JD Vance in Washington DC today.
???? ???? pic.twitter.com/tbmAUbvd1r — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025
According to sources, the external affairs minister’s attendance was in line with India’s customary practice of sending special envoys to the inauguration ceremonies of heads of state and government worldwide.
Donald Trump took the oath of office in an indoor ceremony at the US Capitol, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. The event also saw JD Vance sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States.
In his inaugural speech, Trump proclaimed the beginning of a "golden age" for the country and declared January 20 as "Liberation Day," emphasising his vision for a transformative era in American history.
Soon after taking office, President Trump signed eight executive orders, signaling a shift in US policies.
Key actions included:
Revocation of Biden-era decisions: Trump annulled 78 executive orders issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Treaty: The US formally exited the global climate agreement.
Pardons related to January 6 Capitol Riot: Trump pardoned 1,500 persons charged in connection with the 2021 Capitol riots.
Exit from the WHO: The US issued orders to withdraw its membership from the global health body.
Temporary relief for TikTok: Trump granted the short-form video platform a 75-day operational extension within the US.
- With inputs from agencies
