Indian Embassy in Washington Taps Mercury Public Affairs Amid Growing U.S. Tensions

Amid increasing tariffs applied by Trump on India, the Indian embassy took action. Earlier this month, they signed on Mercury Public Affairs. This was part of their lobbying efforts for three months. Susie Wiles were appointed as co-chair at Mercury public affairs from 2022 to November 7, 2024. She now is a current chief of staff of President Donald Trump in white House.

“Consultant will provide strategic government relations and communications services (“Services”) to Client (Embassy of India). These services align with the Agreement’s terms and parameters. They include federal government relations and strategic media relations. Other services provided are a digital audit. They include digital strategy consulting. Paid advertising is also part of the services,” Mercury Public Affairs’ registration statement clarified. This was filed to the US Department of Justice.

Also read: Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Shake Up India’s Trade Strategy

David Vitter, a former Republican senator signed the contract on the behalf of Mercury public affairs. The registration of the latest lobbying group follows the Indian embassy hiring SHW Partners LLC (SHW) in April. This occurred days after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Indian embassy will be paying roughly around $75,000 a month. With the addition of Mercury, the total payment will be around $275,000 for its overall lobbying efforts. The order signed has been effective from 15 August to November 7 this year. 

Trump’s tariffs on Indian exports

The relations between New Delhi and Washington have been strained. This strain began on August 6 when Trump levied additional tariffs with baseline tariffs on Indian exports. Trump have criticised India on its continued purchase of Russian oil.  All bilateral talks that were expected between that countries have been stalled post this decison of Washington. 

The tariffs will be applied from 27 August. They are additional tariffs of 25% upon already existing baseline tariffs of 25% on Indian exports. These don’t include a few items that were exempted. They also exclude those who left the country before the declaration or implementation date of the new tariffs rule. These applied tariffs are one of the highest amongst trading partners of US.

India’s stance on US claim of Being mediator in Indo-Pak tensions

India felt strained with the US because of Trump’s claims. He stated he had been the mediator between India and Pakistan. He claimed to have stopped the proxy war that continued for 87 hours earlier in May.

India had continuously stated that the conflict between the two nations stopped due to senior level talks. These talks were held between the two countries. The DGMOs and the US played no role in this matter. They made absolutely zero efforts in mediating between both sides. 

India draws red lines for preserving its sensitive sector

Apart from the mediation claims repeated by Trump, New Delhi has drawn a red-line over trade negotiations. It concerns giving American firms access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors. 

A mini-trade deal was expected to be signed before the imposition of the baseline tariffs. However, the negotiations fell through. The US demanded more access to sectors sensitive to the government of India.

The next round of negotiations for the larger bilateral trade deals has been rescheduled. It was originally set for 25 August. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Saturday said that the negotiations have not been cancelled yet.

The uptick in lobbying efforts come as New Delhi looks to safeguard its strategic ties with the US. While political ties are tense at the moment, defence cooperation continues apace between the two countries.

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