As Op Sindoor paused, India activated lobbyists to reach out to Trump admin, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• Following the pause of Operation Sindoor on May 10, 2025, India contacted the Trump administration four times through lobbyist Jason Miller.
• These calls aimed to address media coverage of Operation Sindoor and involved officials from the US Trade Representative and National Security Council.
• Subsequently, discussions shifted to US-India trade deal negotiations, with Indian officials engaging with the US Commerce Secretary.
• Between April and December 2025, SHW Partners LLC assisted the Indian Embassy with trade talks and meetings with US officials.

Detailed Insights:

• Operation Sindoor led to increased lobbying efforts by both India and Pakistan to influence the US administration.
• India hired lobbying firms with close ties to President Trump, including SHW Partners LLC and Mercury Public Affairs, spending over $2,25,000 monthly.
• Pakistan also increased its lobbying activities, hiring firms to promote its rare earth mineral potential and engaging with over 60 US officials.
• The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum highlighted the importance of proximity to key decision-makers in Washington's current political climate.
• India's practice of hiring lobbying firms began after the 1998 Pokhran tests and intensified during the civil nuclear deal negotiations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Lobbying: Engaging with government officials to influence policy decisions.
• FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act): US law requiring disclosure of lobbying activities on behalf of foreign governments.
• Trade Deal: An agreement between countries to reduce trade barriers.