Hyderabad: As the United States prepares for the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20, the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the guest list has raised eyebrows.
While the tradition of inviting foreign leaders to the U.S. presidential inauguration has largely been abandoned since 1874, this year’s exclusion of Modi, despite his close ties with Trump, has fueled speculation and debate.
In a shocking turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping, a rival figure in U.S.-China relations, was invited to attend the inauguration. This move has led many to question why Narendra Modi, who has had a strong working relationship with Trump, was left out of the list. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to attend the event, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaishwal.
PM Modi’s supporters are finding it difficult to reconcile the absence of their leader at such a high-profile event, especially when considering the warmth shared between the Indian government and the Trump administration in recent years. Many recall Modi’s efforts in 2020 to rally support for Trump’s re-election campaign, marking a significant political gesture. The omission of Modi has sparked rumors, with some speculating that the Indian government might have been involved in back-channel discussions, though these claims remain unconfirmed.
For decades, U.S. presidential inaugurations have been reserved for diplomats and ambassadors, but Trump’s decision to invite select foreign leaders marks a shift in policy. Leaders from smaller countries like Italy, Hungary, and El Salvador have received invitations, with speculation growing around why Modi was not among them.
