New Delhi / Washington: With the Trump administration preparing to impose a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports, New Delhi has intensified its lobbying push in Washington. The Embassy of India has hired Mercury Public Affairs LLC—its second American lobbying firm this year—to strengthen its influence in U.S. policymaking circles.
Signed on August 15, the deal places Mercury on a $75,000 per month retainer for three months. The firm will handle federal lobbying, media relations, digital audits, social media campaigns, and paid advertising, making it a critical player in India’s defense against the looming trade blow.
Mercury’s India team includes heavyweights such as former Republican senator David Vitter and Trump transition aide Bryan Lanza, joined by New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American to hold that office. The firm also boasts deep connections to Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, who previously co-chaired Mercury.
This fresh hiring complements India’s ongoing $1.8 million annual deal with SHW Partners LLC, led by Trump confidant Jason Miller. With both contracts, India’s lobbying budget in Washington has now surged past $275,000 per month.
As trade tensions escalate over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, this aggressive lobbying strategy reflects New Delhi’s urgency to safeguard its economic interests and secure leverage in Washington’s corridors of power.
