NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., August 25, 2025: The Indian Embassy in Washington has hired Mercury Public Affairs, a prominent U.S. lobbying and strategic communications firm, as part of efforts to navigate strained relations with the United States.
The three-month contract, which began on August 15 and runs through November 14, comes at a time when trade ties between the two countries are under pressure. According to filings under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Mercury will provide federal government relations, media outreach, digital strategy, and advertising services to the Indian mission. The agreement is valued at $75,000 per month.
The contract was signed on behalf of Mercury by David Vitter, a former Republican senator from Louisiana. The team handling the India account also includes Bryan Lanza, who served as communications director during former President Donald Trump’s transition, and Kevin Thomas, the first Indian American elected to the New York State Senate.
The move follows the Trump administration’s recent decision to raise tariffs on Indian imports, doubling levies from 25 percent to 50 percent. The tariff hike, effective August 27, has created new friction in bilateral trade relations, already strained by differences over India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.
Mercury Public Affairs has strong connections in Washington. Susie Wiles, currently the White House Chief of Staff, previously served as co-chair at Mercury until late 2024, underscoring the firm’s access to the Trump administration.
With this deal, India’s monthly lobbying spend in Washington rises to about $275,000, factoring in its earlier contract with SHW Partners LLC, signed in April. That firm, led by former Trump aide Jason Miller, is paid $150,000 a month.
India’s expanded lobbying push comes against the backdrop of reports that Pakistan has been spending nearly $600,000 per month on lobbying efforts in the U.S. through multiple firms.
By enlisting Mercury, the Indian government appears to be shoring up its outreach to policymakers and strengthening its messaging in Washington at a critical time.
