Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday that he plans to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president on January 20. This decision comes as Japan, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government, seeks to reinforce its strong relationship with its key security ally, the United States. Iwaya emphasized Japan’s commitment to building a reliable, trust-based relationship with the incoming Trump administration. He made these remarks during an appearance on the NHK public broadcaster’s talk show.
Iwaya also indicated that he was looking to arrange a meeting with Senator Marco Rubio, who Trump has selected to be the next secretary of state. This would be an opportunity to engage with one of the central figures of the incoming administration. Alongside Japan, India and Australia also announced that their foreign ministers would attend Trump’s inauguration as part of their efforts to strengthen ties with the new administration.
This visit will mark Iwaya’s first trip to the United States since assuming the role of foreign minister in October. Japan has long been a steadfast U.S. ally, and its government aims to ensure a smooth and positive start to Trump’s second term, after maintaining cordial relations during his first. Japan hopes to deepen cooperation with the U.S. on a variety of fronts, including security, economic interests, and regional stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ishiba is also considering visiting the United States early in February to meet with President Trump. Ishiba hopes this summit will mark a productive beginning to his relationship with the Trump administration. Reports from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun indicate that Ishiba initially sought a meeting with Trump in November, shortly after Trump’s victory over Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election, though that attempt was unsuccessful.
Iwaya revealed that one of his key objectives is to lay the groundwork for Ishiba’s visit by meeting with senior officials from the incoming administration. Establishing a foundation for high-level meetings between Japan and the United States will be crucial for advancing mutual interests and fostering continued cooperation.
In addition to Japan’s efforts, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed that he would attend the inauguration at the invitation of the Trump team. Jaishankar’s visit will also include meetings with officials from the new administration, underscoring India’s intention to maintain a strong partnership with the U.S. and build on existing ties in areas such as defense and trade.
Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, also announced her attendance at Trump’s inauguration. She described the event as an important opportunity to further the strong economic and security partnership between the U.S. and Australia. Wong emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in both the security and economic domains, particularly given the geopolitical challenges facing both nations.
Australia’s center-left Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has expressed confidence that the U.S.-Australia alliance will remain robust under Trump’s second term. The Labor government views the alliance as crucial, given its strategic significance in the Pacific region, especially as both countries navigate the growing influence of China.
The significance of these visits to the inauguration cannot be overstated, as they reflect the broader international interest in maintaining close ties with the U.S. during a time of political transition. Japan, India, and Australia all share a strong interest in securing stable and cooperative relationships with the U.S., and their foreign ministers’ attendance underscores their commitment to working closely with the Trump administration.
These diplomatic efforts are particularly important given the changing global landscape. With ongoing regional challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, Japan, India, and Australia are eager to maintain a unified approach with the U.S. in addressing these issues. Their participation in the inauguration signals a shared commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Iwaya’s visit and his meetings with U.S. officials will be key to ensuring Japan’s interests are effectively represented in the new administration. Japan, as a major economic and military partner of the United States, recognizes the importance of engaging with the U.S. early on to solidify shared priorities. Security issues, particularly in relation to China and North Korea, are likely to be at the forefront of Japan’s diplomatic discussions.
For India, Jaishankar’s presence at the inauguration highlights the strengthening of the U.S.-India partnership, especially in areas of defense, trade, and counterterrorism. India’s growing role as a global power is aligned with its increasing cooperation with the United States, and Jaishankar’s participation will reinforce this strategic alignment.
In Australia, Wong’s attendance reinforces the country’s commitment to its alliance with the United States, which remains a cornerstone of Australian foreign policy. The two countries share interests in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and Wong’s participation in the inauguration offers an opportunity to reaffirm those shared goals in the coming years.
These diplomatic engagements set the stage for a new chapter in international relations, as the U.S. seeks to strengthen its ties with longstanding allies. The participation of Japan, India, and Australia in the inauguration reflects the ongoing importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. These countries recognize that a strong, collaborative relationship with the United States is vital for ensuring stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The inauguration, while a symbolic event, carries significant weight in terms of the diplomatic relationships it fosters. For Japan, India, and Australia, the presence of their foreign ministers is a clear message of solidarity and a reaffirmation of their strategic interests in working closely with the U.S. throughout Trump’s second term. It signals their intent to prioritize cooperation and mutual support in the years ahead, as they navigate the complexities of global politics and regional security.
