India’s embassy in Washington has hired lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs LLC for $75,000 per month. The move comes as tensions between the United States and India rise, particularly with the U.S. poised to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports.
Timing and Connections
According to an August 18 filing, the lobbying firm will provide government and media relations services. The timing of the hiring is notable, as it precedes a new round of tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday.
Mercury Public Affairs has close ties to the Trump administration. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is a former co-chair of the firm, and Mercury Partner Bryan Lanza previously served on President Donald Trump’s transition team. The firm has a history of representing foreign clients who have come under scrutiny from Washington, including the Embassy of Denmark and several Chinese companies.
The Cause of the Friction
The renewed friction between the two countries stems from the White House’s plan to punish India for its continued purchases of Russian oil. The U.S. argues that these purchases help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Indian officials maintain that their actions stabilize oil markets and were previously approved by Washington.
The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner, and there is concern in New Delhi that the new tariffs could have a devastating effect on Indian exporters. The hiring of a high-profile lobbying firm suggests that India is preparing to mount a significant effort to influence policy and mitigate the potential economic damage.