Jaishankar To Attend Trump Inauguration

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the Indian government at the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. During his visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to engage with members of the incoming administration, as well as other dignitaries attending the event.

Jaishankar’s trip comes just weeks after his December visit to the U.S., where he met with Mike Waltz, the National Security Advisor-designate in Trump’s incoming administration. The two discussed key issues, reflecting India’s anticipation of continued strategic cooperation under Trump’s second term.

Delhi views the shared challenge of countering China’s growing assertiveness as a cornerstone of India-U.S. relations, a partnership that strengthened during Trump’s first term. India expects this strategic alignment to remain central in the upcoming administration. President Joe Biden’s NSA was in India last week.

However, potential areas of friction include trade tariffs and immigration policies. India anticipates renewed challenges related to Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, an issue highlighted during his campaign. The Biden administration repatriated approximately 1,100 individuals last year for entering the U.S. unlawfully, and stricter policies are expected to follow under Trump.

Debates around H-1B visas have also intensified in recent weeks, with far-right Republicans raising concerns that have led to growing unease within the Indian American community.

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