WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — India’s embassy in the United States has hired a prominent lobbying firm amid rising tensions over planned U.S. tariffs on Indian exports. The move comes just days before a 50% tariff is set to take effect on goods imported from India.
The embassy signed a three-month contract with Mercury Public Affairs LLC, paying $75,000 per month for federal lobbying, media outreach, social media strategy, advertising, and digital audit services. The total value of the contract is $225,000. The agreement began on August 15 and will continue until mid-November 2025.
The hiring of Mercury is notable due to the firm’s close ties to the Trump administration. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles previously led Mercury’s Washington and Florida offices before joining Trump’s 2024 campaign. Bryan Lanza, a Mercury partner and former communications director for Trump’s transition team, is listed as working on the India account.
Relations between the United States and India have become strained since Trump returned to the White House. The latest tension arises from New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, which Washington has criticized as supporting Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Indian officials argue that the purchases stabilize global oil markets and were previously approved by the U.S. The 50% tariff, scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, could significantly impact Indian exporters, as the U.S. is India’s top trading partner.
Mercury Public Affairs has a history of lobbying for foreign clients facing scrutiny in Washington. Earlier this year, the firm worked with the Embassy of Denmark, which opposed Trump’s effort to gain control of Greenland. Mercury also previously represented Chinese firms targeted by Trump, including Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., a surveillance technology company, and ZTE Corp., a sanctioned telecom company.
India is not the only country to seek Mercury’s help since Trump’s return. Denmark, Ecuador, Armenia, and South Korea have all signed contracts with the firm. The hiring underscores India’s effort to protect its economic interests and maintain strong trade relations with the United States.
The decision follows a broader trend of Indian entities increasing their lobbying presence in Washington. Gautam Adani, Asia’s second-richest person and a close associate of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also been strengthening his lobbying operations in the U.S. Adani is currently contesting allegations related to a bribery scheme.
The India-U.S. trade relationship is crucial for both nations. New Delhi relies on the U.S. as its largest export market, while American companies benefit from access to Indian goods and services. Experts warn that the new tariffs could disrupt trade flows and harm Indian exporters, affecting industries ranging from textiles to technology.
Mercury Public Affairs’ role will include strategic communications to improve India’s image in Washington. This could involve media campaigns, social media outreach, and meetings with key policymakers. The firm’s deep connections in the Trump administration give India a valuable channel to influence U.S. decision-making.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mercury Public Affairs also did not reply to inquiries after U.S. business hours.
Analysts say India’s proactive approach reflects the urgency of the situation. With tariffs looming, the embassy seeks to ensure that its concerns are heard in Washington. The engagement with Mercury represents a strategic move to navigate the complex U.S. political landscape.
As the 50% tariffs on Indian goods approach, attention will turn to whether lobbying efforts can influence policy decisions. Both countries have much to gain from a stable trade relationship, making the next few months critical for India and the United States.
