NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the nation at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This significant event marks Trump’s return to office as the 47th President of the United States and is expected to draw leaders and representatives from across the globe.
Jaishankar’s participation highlights India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the United States, a key player in India’s foreign policy objectives. In addition to attending the inaugural ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Jaishankar is expected to hold meetings with senior members of the Trump administration. These discussions will likely address shared priorities such as defence collaboration, economic growth, and maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Under Trump’s previous administration, U.S.-India ties experienced both advancements and challenges. While the two nations strengthened their defence cooperation through agreements such as BECA, trade disputes occasionally tested the relationship. Trump’s return to the presidency introduces new dynamics, offering opportunities for recalibrating bilateral ties and addressing unresolved issues.
Jaishankar’s background as a diplomat positions him well for this visit. His experience as India’s former ambassador to the U.S. and his involvement in shaping major foreign policy initiatives are expected to play a key role in ensuring productive discussions with the Trump administration.
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This visit is a reflection of India’s approach to addressing pressing bilateral and global concerns. As Jaishankar meets with the new U.S. leadership, topics such as regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic cooperation are expected to dominate the agenda. The outcome of these discussions could set the course for the next phase of U.S.-India relations.