India Hires Second US Lobbying Firm Amid Rising Tariff Tensions

Amid escalating trade tensions with the United States and the imposition of an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, India has hired Mercury Public Affairs, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm led by former Senator David Vitter, to strengthen its diplomatic outreach. The contract, effective from mid-August to mid-November 2025 and costing $75,000 per month, aims to provide federal government relations, strategic media relations, digital strategy, and paid advertising services. Mercury Public Affairs has strong connections to President Donald Trump's administration, including Susie Wiles, Trump's current Chief of Staff, who previously co-chaired the firm. This move supplements India's existing $1.8 million annual contract with SHW Partners LLC, led by former Trump adviser Jason Miller, reflecting a broader strategy to counteract U.S. tariffs and secondary sanctions related to India's purchase of Russian oil. The intensified lobbying effort comes amid criticism that India has been outmaneuvered by Pakistan, which has aggressively expanded its own lobbying presence in Washington, securing lower tariff rates and high-level White House engagements. Overall, India is investing roughly $275,000 monthly across multiple firms to influence U.S. policy during a period of strained bilateral relations.