External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was prominently seated in the front row during the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump at the Capitol Rotunda on Monday. His placement in the front row was perceived as a strong signal of India’s intent to foster closer ties with the Trump administration.
Jaishankar was seated in the first column alongside Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa. Meanwhile, two rows behind him, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong were in attendance. Both Japan and Australia, along with India and the US, form the strategic QUAD alliance.
Jaishankar also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Donald Trump, sources revealed on Monday. The External Affairs Minister's presence at the presidential inauguration aligns with India's tradition of sending special envoys to attend the swearing-in ceremonies of heads of state and government, they added.
PM Modi extended his congratulations to his "dear friend" Trump on assuming office as the 47th President of the US, expressing eagerness to work closely together.
"Congratulations, my dear friend President Donald Trump, on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the US! I look forward to working closely together once again to benefit both our countries and shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!" PM Modi, who shared a warm camaraderie with Trump during his first term, stated.
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