India hires lobbying firm closely tied to the Trump administration to handle relations with Washington.

Before the 50% tariff measures against India take effect in the United States, the Indian Embassy in Washington hired a lobbying company with close ties to the Trump administration that has previously defended foreign entities targeted by the United States. According to a document dated August 18 that includes details of the agreement, the embassy pays Mercury Public Affairs LLC $75,000 per month for government relations, media relations, and other services. Susie Wiles, former co-chair of Mercury, is currently serving as chief of staff in the White House. Another disclosed document shows that Bryan Lanza, a partner at Mercury who previously served as communications director for President Donald Trump's transition team, is also involved in the fulfillment of this contract.