Jaishankar’s attendance at the inauguration is in line with India’s customary practice of sending special envoys to such key events. It follows a long-standing tradition where Indian representatives participate in the swearing-in ceremonies of heads of state and government worldwide.
Past instances highlight this diplomatic custom: in May 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the swearing-in of Nigeria’s president; in November 2023, Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju was present at the inauguration of the Maldivian president.
Similarly, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was part of the Iranian president’s swearing-in ceremony in July 2024, and MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented India at the ceremonies for the presidents of Indonesia and Mexico in October 2024.
Additionally, Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh, the former MoS for External Affairs, attended the inauguration of the Philippine president in June 2022.
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