India Hires Second US Lobbying Firm Ahead of 50% Tariff Hike on Exports

According to a Times of India report, amid rising trade tensions and a looming 50% tariff hike on exports to the US, India has engaged a second lobbying firm in Washington. This strategic move aims to bolster India's influence and address concerns surrounding its procurement of discounted Russian oil.

India Signs $75,000 Monthly Lobbying Contract 

As per the report, on August 15, 2025, the Indian Embassy in Washington entered a 3-month contract with Mercury Public Affairs, agreeing to a $75,000-per-month retainer. 

The firm will provide services such as federal lobbying, media relations, digital audits and social media strategy. Mercury's team on the India account includes former Republican Senator David Vitter, Bryan Lanza, previously of Trump’s 2016 campaign and Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American member of the New York State Senate.

Second Firm Engaged Following Earlier $1.8 Million Contract

This latest agreement comes months after a $1.8 million annual deal was signed with SHW Partners LLC, led by former Trump aide Jason Miller, which costs $1,50,000 per month. The new hire is expected to strengthen India’s diplomatic positioning amid rising criticism relating to its crude oil dealings with Russia.

Tariff Hike Linked to Russian Oil Imports

The US has announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% surcharge attributed to India’s continued import of Russian crude at discounted rates. These measures have triggered urgency within India's diplomacy, pushing New Delhi to boost its representation and advocacy in Washington ahead of the August 27, 2025, deadline for the tariff spike.

Read More: India Placed Temporary Suspension to US Postal Services Amid New U.S. Customs Regulations!

Strategic Move to Counter Pakistan's Lobbying Successes

As per the news reports, India’s efforts were partly driven by comparisons to Pakistan, which had recently secured lobbying support from a firm led by Keith Schiller, a former Trump bodyguard. With the US political climate heating up ahead of the 2026 presidential cycle, lobbying presence in Washington is viewed as critical to influencing foreign policy and trade actions that directly impact Indian exports.

Conclusion

India’s decision to appoint Mercury Public Affairs as its second US lobbying firm demonstrates a focused diplomatic response to economic challenges. With tariffs set to rise by 50% on Indian exports, this step is part of broader efforts to protect trade interests and reshape its image amid global oil politics.

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