Jaishankar to attend Trump’s swearing in ceremony

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar will travel to the US to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America on 20 January at the invitation of the Trump-J.D Vance inaugural committee, the Indian foreign ministry said.

Trump is set to become the oldest President at 78 years and 220 days, surpassing outgoing US president Joe Biden, who was sworn in at 78 years and 61 days four years ago.

“During his visit, Jaishankar will also have meetings with representatives of the incoming administration as well as some other dignitaries visiting the US on the occasion,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

Several world leaders, businessmen, tech giants, and celebrities are expected to attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony following Monday.

Among others who will be in attendance, along with Jaishankar, are Australian foreign minister Penny Wong and ambassador Kevin Rudd, Australian media reported.

Leaders who have been invited to the ceremony include Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, Argentinian President Javier Milei, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, Hungarian President Viktor Orban, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, and French far-right politician Eric Zemmour.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was invited to the ceremony, will not participate in the event but is likely to send Vive President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi

However, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was invited to this ceremony, will not participate but may send his deputy Han Zheng or foreign minister Wang Yi.

During a Fox News show, the spokeswoman for Trump’s transition, Karolie Leavitt, said, “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too.”

On 9 November, Trump announced the Trump-Vance inaugural committee, which will plan the inauguration ceremony and be co-chaired by long-time friends and supporters of Trump: Steve Witkoff and former senator Kelly Loeffler.

Next Monday, 20 January, all inaugural activities will begin on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, where the legislative branch of the federal government convenes.

The schedule includes the swearing-in ceremony for vice-president-elect J.D. Vance and Trump, followed by the latter’s inaugural address.

Fox News reported that events start at 6am, with security screening and musical performances beginning at 9:30 am, and opening remarks at 11:30am.

Jaishankar to visit Spain

Jaishankar, meanwhile, is on an official visit to Spain from 13 to 14 January.

This will be his first visit as external affairs minister to Spain.

During the visit, Jaishankar will discuss a whole gamut of bilateral relations and regional and global matters of mutual interest with his Spanish counterpart, Manuel Albares.

Jaishankar will also address the 9th annual conference of Spanish Ambassadors and meet the Indian community.