In light of increasing trade tensions with the United States, India has sought the assistance of a new lobbying firm, Mercury Public Affairs, to enhance its engagement with the Trump administration.
The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, recently formalized a contract with the firm, led by former Senator David Vitter, aimed at bolstering diplomatic outreach in the U.S. capital.
Filings with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) indicate that this agreement spans from mid-August through mid-November 2025.
India will compensate Mercury with a monthly fee of $75,000, culminating in a total of $225,000 for the three-month engagement.
Mercury is expected to provide federal government relations support and strategic advisory services designed to help India navigate the complex political landscape of the United States.
The significance of Mercury’s appointment is underscored by the prior connections of Trump’s close aide Susie Wiles, who led the D.C. and Florida offices of the firm before leaving to support Trump’s 2024 campaign.
India’s engagement with Mercury is not unique; several other foreign governments have also retained the firm since Trump’s return to office, including Denmark, Ecuador, Armenia, and South Korea.
This move complements India’s ongoing lobbying endeavors, which include an annual contract worth $1.8 million with SHW Partners LLC, directed by former Trump adviser Jason Miller.
SHW Partners focuses on strategic counsel, government relations, and managing public perception.
As India ramps up its lobbying efforts, the context of its actions becomes more urgent due to the Trump administration’s plans to impose further trade penalties.
These include a 25% tariff, effective August 27, 2025, layered on top of an existing 25% reciprocal tariff, prompted by India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
Additionally, the administration has hinted at the possibility of secondary sanctions against India, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
On August 22, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro expressed doubts about India’s commitment to realigning its energy partnerships, stating, “India doesn’t appear to want to recognize its role in the bloodshed. It simply doesn’t.”
Navarro’s comments suggest that the newly proposed tariffs would likely proceed as planned, positioning India alongside Brazil in the highest tariff bracket of the Trump administration.
In contrast, Pakistan has heightened its lobbying expenditures in Washington, earmarking an estimated $600,000 per month to improve its relations with the U.S.
Despite facing significant economic challenges, Pakistan has engaged six lobbying and strategic communications firms to foster ties with the White House, Congress, and various U.S. agencies.
Among Pakistan’s lobbying efforts is a contract with Orchid Advisers LLC, which receives $250,000 monthly and works with Squire Patton Boggs to engage U.S. lawmakers and liaise with institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
Another firm, Seiden Law, is compensated $200,000 per month to advocate for economic partnerships in the critical minerals sector and help shape U.S. tariff policy.
Seiden Law has subcontracted Javelin Advisors, co-founded by Trump’s former bodyguard Keith Schiller and former Trump Organization compliance head George Sorial, for an additional $50,000 monthly.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Islamabad Policy Research Institute engaged Team Eagle Consulting in October 2024 under a contract valued at $1.5 million, aimed at reshaping U.S. public opinion about Pakistan and cultivating stronger ties with the Trump administration.
Pakistan’s aggressive lobbying initiatives have begun to yield positive outcomes.
The Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was recently granted a rare audience at the White House, and the country has managed to negotiate a reduced tariff rate of 19%, in stark contrast to India’s higher levies.
Additionally, the Trump administration has expressed increasing interest in Pakistan, fueled by new agreements on cooperation in the critical minerals sector and a burgeoning oil partnership, despite skepticism regarding Pakistan’s oil reserves.
With such active lobbying campaigns, both India and Pakistan are vying for favorable trade terms and political alignment in an increasingly competitive diplomatic landscape.
image source from：indiatoday
