India-US protocol upgrade: At Trump's inauguration, EAM Jaishankar gets front row seat

The India-US ties are expected to be stronger under newly sworn-in President Donald Trump and this was indicated at his inauguration in the White House on Monday, where External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who attended the event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy, was offered a seat in the front row, alongside Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

This marked a significant upgrade in official protocol.

While Jaishankar was seated in the front row at Trump’s inaugural ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya was seated two rows behind.

Jaishankar carried a letter from PM Modi for the 47th US President. In a post on X, the EAM said that he was “privileged” to represent India at Trump’s oath taking ceremony.

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“Privileged to represent as external affairs minister and special envoy of the PM at the swearing-in ceremony of the 47th President of the United States of America today in Washington DC,” he wrote.

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.

Attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church this morning.

🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ktod8SdbpI

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025

PM Modi also shared a post on X congratulating Trump and saying that he looked forward to working with him.

“Congratulations my dear friend President Donald Trump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!” PM Modi said.

Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2025

EAM Jaishankar also posted a photo with fellow foreign ministers from Australia and Japan at the US Capitol and discussed bilateral issues and those related to Quad.

Along with fellow Foreign Ministers at the US Capitol for the inauguration ceremony. pic.twitter.com/DlBmj13fJX

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 20, 2025

In one of the pictures shared by Jaishankar, he could be seen talking to Indian origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who abruptly quit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) barely hours after Trump took office on Monday.

Jaishankar had also participated in the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John’s Church, a traditional event held before the presidential inauguration.

Trump took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, using both a family Bible and President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible. Vice President JD Vance was sworn in earlier by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, holding a family heirloom Bible.

With inputs from agencies