Synopsis
On January 20, 2021, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Inauguration Day Prayer Service for President-elect Donald Trump. He engaged in significant meetings, including a bilateral discussion with Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya, emphasizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Japan.Key Takeaways
- EAM S. Jaishankar represented India at Trump's inauguration.
- Held a bilateral meeting with Japan's Takeshi Iwaya.
- Discussed cooperation in various sectors including technology.
- Announced 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science.
- Reinforced strategic communication between India and Japan.
Washington, Jan 20 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar participated in the Inauguration Day Prayer Service at St John's Church in Washington prior to the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America on Monday.
"Honored to represent India as External Affairs Minister and Special Envoy of PM at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th President of the United States today in Washington DC," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.
During his visit, Jaishankar is set to hold discussions with officials from the incoming Trump Administration, along with various other dignitaries present in the US for the event.
On Sunday, Jaishankar conducted a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya, where both ministers reviewed significant matters concerning bilateral cooperation in the realms of political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people initiatives.
This meeting marked the second encounter between Jaishankar and Iwaya, following their previous discussion during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Italy last November.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the meeting solidified the longstanding friendship between India and Japan, rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to regional stability.
"Both sides expressed satisfaction with the level, scope, and pace of exchanges between the two nations. They consented to sustain strategic communication through regular dialogue, including the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers. In this context, EAM extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Iwaya to visit India," as per a statement released by the MEA on Monday.
"On the 40th anniversary of the signing of the inaugural Memorandum of Understanding between India and Japan on Science and Technology cooperation in 1985, the Ministers proclaimed 2025-26 as the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology and Innovation. The Ministers also welcomed initiatives aimed at enriching people-to-people exchanges, particularly in technology, skill development, and education," the statement further elaborated.
