<div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>Yesterday, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States, beginning his second and final term. While the event marked a significant political moment, it also highlighted the increasing prominence of the Indian diaspora in the United States. The presence of several Indian and Indian-origin figures at the inauguration underscored the growing influence of this community in American society.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Indians and Indian-Origin Attendees at the Inauguration</b></p><p><br></p><p><b>S. Jaishankar</b>, India’s External Affairs Minister, attended the event as the Indian government’s official representative. His participation reflects the strengthening diplomatic ties between India and the United States over recent years.</p><p><br></p><p>Among the notable attendees were <b>Mukesh and Nita Ambani</b>, representing India’s business sector. Mukesh Ambani’s role as a global business leader and investor in various sectors ties closely to the economic collaborations between the two nations.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Sundar Pichai</b>, CEO of Alphabet, also attended the ceremony, representing the contributions of Indian-origin professionals in technology. His presence alongside other tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos highlights the central role of technology in shaping U.S.-India relations.</p><p><br></p><p>Real estate developers <b>Kalpesh Mehta</b> of Tribeca Developers, <b>Pankaj Bansal</b> of M3M Developers, and <b>Ashish Jain</b> of Kundan Spaces, all of whom are involved in projects associated with the Trump Organization in India, also attended. Their participation signals the continued collaboration between American and Indian businesses in the real estate sector.</p><p><br></p><p>One notable absence was that of Sarod player <b>Amit Bhattacharya</b>, who declined an invitation to perform at the event. He cited the absence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the reason, showcasing how cultural events can sometimes intertwine with political decisions.</p><p><br></p><span></div><div class='bc_element' id='bc_element'1 style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><b>The Influence of the Indian Diaspora</b></p><p><br></p><p>The Indian diaspora in the United States consists of over 5.1 million people, making up about 1.5% of the U.S. population. Despite their small percentage, Indian Americans have a significant impact in areas like technology, politics, business, and culture. A report by Indiaspora and the Migration Policy Institute highlights their contributions to innovation, policymaking, and economic growth.</p><p><br></p><p>The inauguration showcased how individuals of Indian origin are integrated into American society. For instance, Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, is a key example of cultural integration. Usha’s background as a lawyer of Indian descent adds another layer of diversity to the political leadership in Washington.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Economic and Political Connections</b></p><p><br></p><p>The Indian diaspora’s contributions to technology and business are well-documented, and the inauguration reflected this. Sundar Pichai’s presence represents the critical role of Indian professionals in the U.S. tech sector. At the same time, business leaders like Mukesh Ambani and Kalpesh Mehta emphasize how collaborations between Indian and American enterprises are shaping industries like telecommunications, energy, and real estate.</p><p><br></p><p>On the political front, the growing number of Indian-origin leaders in American politics is noteworthy. Usha Vance’s role as a public figure alongside her husband, Vice President JD Vance, symbolizes the integration of Indian Americans into the U.S. political system.</p><p><br></p><p>The Indian diaspora is not limited to business and politics. Contributions in arts, music, and literature are also significant. Invitations extended to figures like Amit Bhattacharya highlight the cultural bridges that the diaspora helps build. Although he declined the invitation, the gesture reflects the recognition of Indian culture in global events.</p><p><br></p><p><b>A Reflection of India’s Global Role</b></p><p><br></p><p>India’s increasing engagement with global superpowers like the United States is mirrored in events like the inauguration. The presence of S. Jaishankar and leading Indian-origin figures underscores the importance of these connections. India’s economic growth and global outreach make its relationship with the United States a critical one.</p><p><br></p><p>Yesterday’s inauguration was more than a political ceremony. It demonstrated the growing presence of the Indian diaspora in the United States and their impact on multiple sectors. From technology to real estate, and from politics to culture, their contributions continue to shape the relationship between the two countries.</p><p><br></p><p>As the United States begins its next chapter under Trump’s leadership, the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping its future cannot be ignored. Their involvement in the inauguration is a reminder of how this community has become an integral part of the American story.</p><span></div>