Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony as the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump hosted a pre-inauguration dinner in Washington DC, attended by global business leaders, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani. The Ambanis are also expected to be present at Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Mukesh Ambani, ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals, is expected to have a prominent seat during the ceremony, alongside distinguished guests such as members of Trump’s Cabinet and US elected officials, as per reports. This marks a notable interaction between Trump’s administration and Indian business leaders, signalling a focus on fostering strong economic ties between the two nations.
Highlighting India’s Global Business Influence
The presence of the Ambanis underscores the growing influence of Indian entrepreneurs on the global stage. While specific discussions during the dinner were not disclosed, this interaction is widely seen as a gesture of goodwill and a potential opportunity to strengthen India-U.S. relations under Trump’s administration.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani were photographed alongside other prominent Indian entrepreneurs, including Pankaj Bansal, Managing Director of M3M Developers, and Kalpesh Mehta, Founder of Tribeca Developers. Kalpesh Mehta, a key figure in introducing the Trump brand to India as the licensed partner for Trump Towers, shared a photo from the event on Instagram, captioning it: “Fun night with Nita and Mukesh Ambani at the inaugural event for President Trump.”
Pankaj Bansal’s M3M Developers has been a major collaborator in the development of Trump Towers in India, further cementing ties between Indian business leaders and the Trump brand.
Global Business Leaders in Attendance
The event also saw the presence of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and other influential global business figures. Reports suggest the Ambanis were also invited to a “candlelight dinner” hosted by Donald Trump on the eve of his inauguration, further emphasizing their close ties to the incoming administration.
This meeting between the Ambanis and the US President-elect highlights the importance of economic collaboration between India and the United States. It also reflects the increasing visibility and influence of Indian business leaders in shaping global economic narratives.
As Trump formally assumes office, interactions like these could pave the way for deeper economic partnerships and shared ventures between the two countries.