Biden era begins in US with a pledge to heal and call for unity

The era of Joseph Robinette Biden Junior has begun. 

Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.
 

Also sworn in at the scaled-back ceremony at the Capitol Hill was Vice President Kamala Harris. 
 

Biden, who was dressed in a navy suit and navy overcoat designed by American designer Ralph Lauren, was administered the oath of office by US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. 

After being sworn in, Biden promised to defend America for the public good. 
 

"I will defend the Constitution. I'll defend our democracy. I'll defend America. And I'll give all, all of you, keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities. Not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness," he said.

Biden further said, "May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires and the stories that tell ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment, democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch but thrived, that America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world." 
 

"That is what we owe our forebearers, one another and generations to follow. With purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all hearts," Biden said.
 

Biden also had a message for America's allies. He said, "Here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested, and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again."
 

"We'll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. We'll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security," he vowed.
 

Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the oath to Kamala Harris, the first woman and first Asian American to serve as vice president. Moments before she was sworn in, Harris had tweeted saying, "A new chapter begins today."

 

While Lady Gaga sang a rendition of the US national anthem, the Star Sprangled Banner, Jennifer Lopez performed "America the Beautiful" after Kamala Harris took the oath of office.

Seen at the swearing in ceremony were former Presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton. Outgoing President Donald Trump left the White House three hours before the ceremony and flew off to florida with Melania Trump. 
 

Sources said that Trump left a 'personal note' for Biden, wishing the latter all the very best and later promising his fans at the Andrews Air Force base that he will be back in 'some form'.
 

Trump is the first outgoing president to skip his replacement's inauguration in more than 150 years.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the new President and Vice President.
 

In a series of Twitter posts, he said, "My warmest congratulations to 
Joe Biden on his assumption of office as president of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership."
 

"My best wishes for a successful term in leading the USA as we stand united and resilient in addressing common challenges and advancing global peace and security."

"The India-US partnership is based on shared values. We have a substantial and multifaceted bilateral agenda, growing economic engagement and vibrant people to people linkages. Committed to working with President Joe Biden to take the India-US partnership to even greater heights," PM Modi said.
 

"Congratulations to Kamala Harris on being sworn-in as VP. It is a historic occasion. Looking forward to interacting with her to make India-USA relations more robust. The India-USA partnership is beneficial for our planet," PM Modi added.