Indian Embassy Lobbying Firm Deal: Trade Battle with the US
Indian Embassy Lobbying Firm Deal with Mercury Amid US Tariff Tensions
In a strategic move just days before sweeping tariff hikes by the United States, the Indian Embassy has signed a fresh contract with a second lobbying firm, Mercury Public Affairs, to strengthen its voice in Washington.
According to a report by the Times of India, the Embassy inked a $75,000-per-month retainer for three months starting August 15. The firm’s brief covers federal lobbying, media relations, digital audits, advertising, and a broader social media strategy.
Indian Embassy: Mercury’s heavyweight team
Mercury Public Affairs is no stranger to political corridors in the US capital. Its partners include David Vitter, a former Republican Senator from Louisiana, and Bryan Lanza, who played a key communications role during Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and later in his transition team. The India account will be handled by a four-member group, among them Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American elected to the New York State Senate.
The firm also has historic ties to Trump’s current Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, who served as a registered lobbyist with Mercury until late 2024. This network gives the Indian Embassy direct access to influential figures close to the Trump administration.
Why India is doubling down on lobbying
The Indian Embassy lobbying firm strategy has intensified in recent months. In April, New Delhi hired Jason Miller’s SHW Partners LLC, a firm led by another former Trump aide, at a cost of $150,000 per month — a year-long deal worth $1.8 million.
The urgency behind hiring a second firm stems from growing pressure on bilateral trade. US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian exports, imposing a 50 percent duty across goods, with an additional 25 percent levy tied to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil, set to take effect on August 27.
This double blow threatens India’s export-driven sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, seafood, and agriculture — industries that employ millions of people and operate on slim margins.
Indian Embassy: India defends Russian oil purchases
India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, has stood firm on its decision to continue buying Russian oil, citing national interest and market stability. Moscow’s discounted crude has been critical in shielding Indian consumers from soaring fuel prices after the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022.
However, the US tariffs have added pressure, effectively forcing New Delhi to weigh its energy security against trade stability.
PM Modi: “Interests of small businesses and farmers are paramount”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Ahmedabad earlier this week, vowed not to compromise on the livelihoods of small traders, farmers, and artisans in the face of US pressure.
“From this land of Gandhi, I assure my farmer brothers, shopkeepers, and small entrepreneurs that their interests are paramount. No matter how much pressure comes, we will stand strong,” he said.
He urged citizens and businesses to adopt the swadeshi mantra — promoting and purchasing Indian-made goods — as a shield against external trade pressures.
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