News Brief
Indian Embassy In Washington Hires Second Lobbying Firm Ahead Of US Tariff Hike, Has Connections With Trump's Circle
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In a strategic move just days before the US's 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports go into effect, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC has engaged a second lobbying firm to strengthen its outreach.
According to a Times of India report, the Embassy has signed a three-month contract with Mercury Public Affairs beginning 15 August, valued at $75,000 per month.
Mercury will provide federal lobbying, media relations, digital audits, social media strategy and advertising.
The account will be led by partners David Vitter, a former Republican Senator from Louisiana, and Bryan Lanza, who served as communications director during Donald Trump’s 2020 transition.
They will be supported by a four-member team that includes Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American elected to the New York State Senate.
Mercury’s connections with the Trump circle run deep. Susie Wiles, Trump’s current Chief of Staff, was associated with the firm until November 2024.
The new hiring comes after criticism that New Delhi has been outplayed by Pakistan, which recently contracted a firm led by former Trump bodyguard Keith Schiller.
India had earlier, in April, brought on board former Trump adviser Jason Miller’s firm SHW Partners LLC, under a $1.8 million annual contract at $150,000 per month.
The urgency of India’s lobbying efforts coincides with President Trump’s tariff announcement, which includes a 25 per cent additional duty linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, effective from 27 August.
New Delhi has consistently defended its energy policy, insisting that crude oil procurement from Russia is based on national interest and market dynamics.
