Eight calls between Delhi and Washington in May-June, says US firm
Lobbying firm SHW Partners LLC disclosed phone calls between senior White House officials and the Indian government in recent filings.
American lobbying firm SHW Partners LLC disclosed that eight phone calls took place between the Indian government and senior White House officials during May and June this year, according to The Indian Express.
The firm, led by Jason Miller, arranged these calls to discuss India-US relations as part of its political activities under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
In May, before Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India, calls were coordinated between the Indian side and officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Deputy NSA Michael Needham, and Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Gene Lange.
Following Rubio's visit in June, calls were held with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Assistant to the President for Policy Walker Barrett, and Director of White House Office of Communications Steven Cheung.
The Indian Embassy in Washington signed a contract with Miller's firm involving a monthly payout of $150,000 for strategic counsel and government relations assistance. The contract was terminated on June 23 after Miller joined the Trump administration as a special government employee.
The Indian Embassy also hired Mercury Public Affairs at a monthly retainership of $75,000. Mercury's core team includes Bryan Lanza, communications director for the Trump transition team.