India hires Mercury Public Affairs LLC to strengthen US outreach as tensions rise and Pakistan increases lobbying influence. Photos/X.
India has hired Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a prominent US lobbying firm, to strengthen its outreach to the Donald Trump-led administration, at a time of escalating tensions between New Delhi and Washington. According to a public filing with the US Department of Justice, India will pay Mercury $75,000 per month for services covering “public relations, communications, and government relations advice and services, including outreach to US media and government officials.”
Mercury, which previously employed current White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, has designated partners David Vitter, a former Republican Senator from Louisiana, and Bryan Lanza, a former communications director for Trump’s campaign, to represent India.
The firm, operating under Mercury Global Affairs LLC, has 14 offices across the United States and serves 550 clients worldwide. Its portfolio includes crisis management, grassroots coalition building, public affairs campaign management, and political consulting.
This new contract raises India’s total monthly lobbying expenditure in Washington DC to $275,000. New Delhi already maintains a $150,000 per month agreement with SHW Partners LLC, led by former Trump adviser Jason Miller. In addition, India employs BGR Partners for lobbying at a cost of $50,000 per month.
By some estimates, BGR ranks as the third-largest lobbying firm in Washington DC by revenue and has represented countries such as South Korea, Serbia, Panama, and Cyprus.
The increase in lobbying comes just days before a 25% tariff penalty on Indian goods is scheduled to take effect on August 27, which adds to the 25% reciprocal tariff already imposed.
It also coincides with Pakistan’s growing engagement with the Trump administration. A report by HT on August 14 noted that Pakistan is outspending India three to one on lobbying and strategic communications, with Islamabad paying an estimated $600,000 per month to six US firms.
These firms help Pakistan reach key stakeholders in the White House, Congress, the State Department, and the Defence Department.
The figures are particularly significant given India’s apprehension over Pakistan’s influence during President Trump’s second term. Pakistan recently facilitated a meeting between its Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and President Trump.
In addition, Pakistan has successfully attracted US attention by promoting investment opportunities in its critical mineral and oil sectors. In recent months, it has also been recognized by the Trump administration as a key partner in counter-terrorism efforts.
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Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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