External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described it as a “great honor” to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in Washington, DC.
Sharing pictures from the event on X, Jaishankar wrote, “A great honor to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of @POTUS President Donald J. Trump and @VP Vice President JD Vance in Washington DC today.” His presence underscored the strong diplomatic ties between India and the United States as President Trump embarked on his second term in office.
Earlier in the day, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States at the US Capitol, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath. JD Vance took the oath as the 50th Vice President shortly before Trump’s swearing-in.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared the start of a “golden age” for America, calling the day “Liberation Day.” He outlined his administration’s priorities, focusing on economic challenges, disaster response, and education reform.
Trump addressed inflation, blaming it on “massive overspending and escalating energy prices,” and announced a “national energy emergency” to boost energy independence. “The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill,” he said, referring to his promise to expand oil drilling.
Commenting on the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Trump criticized the administration’s inadequate response. “More recently, in Los Angeles, we are watching fires still tragically burn. Weeks later, they’re raging through houses and communities without even a token of defense. Some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country no longer have homes. This can’t be allowed to happen,” Trump emphasized.
The President also called for reforms in public health and education systems. “We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any other country in the world. We have an education system that, in many cases, teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves and, sometimes, to hate our country despite the love we try so desperately to instill. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly,” Trump declared.
Jaishankar’s attendance at the inauguration reflected India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States. The two nations are poised to deepen collaboration on global challenges and mutual interests as Trump’s second term unfolds.