A report published by The Hindu has detailed lobbying efforts undertaken on India’s behalf in the United States (US) during the four-day India Pakistan conflict following the Pahalgam incident. The disclosure has renewed questions about New Delhi’s consistent denial of any US role in easing the crisis.
According to filings made under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a lobbying firm hired by the Indian Embassy contacted senior US officials on May 10, the day the ceasefire came into effect. While the filings do not clarify whether the outreach occurred before or after the ceasefire, they point to close engagement on that day.
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The report said contacts were made with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and National Security Council official Ricky Gill. The stated purpose was to discuss media coverage and developments related to the conflict.
These disclosures appear to contrast with New Delhi’s public position rejecting claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington had mediated an end to the fighting. Indian officials have also denied assertions that trade pressure was used to push both sides toward de-escalation.
The lobbying firm, SHW LLC, is headed by Jason Miller, a former aide and spokesperson for President Trump. The firm was contracted by the Indian Embassy in April 2025 and reportedly received $900,000 in two instalments as part of a larger annual contract.
FARA filings indicate that SHW LLC facilitated or sought meetings between senior Indian officials and top members of the Trump administration. These included requests involving External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior diplomats.
Former Indian diplomats quoted in the report said hiring lobbyists for advice is common practice in Washington. However, they noted that arranging official meetings through a lobbying firm rather than directly via diplomatic channels was unusual.
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The report also highlighted increased lobbying activity amid strains in US-India trade ties, particularly following the imposition of reciprocal and penalty tariffs. As relations improved later in 2025, the firm continued outreach linked to high-level political exchanges.