As the United States ushers in its 47th President, Donald Trump, on January 20, a number of prominent Indian figures will be in attendance. From diplomats to business magnates, these individuals are set to play key roles at the high-profile event in Washington DC.
EAM Jaishankar: A diplomatic presence
External affairs minister S Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his special envoy at the inauguration.
Donald Trump Inauguration
Carrying a letter from the Prime Minister to President Trump, Jaishankar’s presence is part of a broader tradition where special envoys are sent to attend the swearing-in ceremonies of heads of state and government.
The Ambanis
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and his wife, Nita Ambani, will also attend the inauguration, with the couple enjoying a prominent spot at the ceremony.
The Ambanis, who arrived in Washington DC on January 18, are set to be seated alongside other notable guests, including Trump’s Cabinet nominees and elected officials. Their participation comes after a series of inaugural events that began with a reception and fireworks display at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.
Indian business leaders make their mark
Among the notable Indian business leaders attending the inauguration is Ashish Jain, managing director of Pune-based real estate firm Kundan Spaces.
Jain, who has been part of the real estate sector for over two decades, attended a private reception in Washington DC ahead of the inauguration. He is one of several Indian-origin business magnates making their mark in the US political scene.
Donald Trump’s inauguration: Follow live updates
Trump’s Indian real estate partner Kalpesh Mehta
Kalpesh Mehta, founder of Tribeca Developers and the licensed Indian partner for Trump Towers projects, is also in Washington for the inauguration.
Mehta, who has worked closely with the Trump Organization, shared photographs of his meetings with Donald Trump and his sons, Donald Jr and Eric Trump, on social media, highlighting the ongoing business collaboration between the two.
M3M’s managing director Pankaj Bansal
Pankaj Bansal, managing director of M3M Developers, was also among the Indian business leaders attending the pre-swearing-in dinner in Washington. Bansal’s presence at the event signifies the growing influence of Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the US real estate sector, further cementing the economic ties between the two nations.
Indian-origin Sundar Pichai
Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a notable figure of Indian origin, will also be at the inauguration. Known for his open stance on working with global leaders, Pichai previously expressed optimism about Trump’s potential impact during the NYT DealBook Summit.
Google, under Pichai’s leadership, has reportedly donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, reinforcing the tech giant’s involvement in the proceedings.
Incoming second lady, Andhra-born Usha Vance
Usha Vance, the wife of vice-president-elect JD Vance, will also be attending the inauguration. Usha, who hails from a family of Indian immigrants from Andhra Pradesh, represents a unique blend of Indian-American identity. With educational credentials from esteemed institutions such as Cambridge and Yale, she has become a prominent figure in her own right.
For the first time in US history, foreign leaders and dignitaries will be in attendance at a presidential inauguration, making this event a landmark moment in the country’s political history. In addition to Indian representatives, leaders from around the world, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have been invited to witness the peaceful transfer of power.
