A report by The Hindu has raised fresh questions about India’s engagement with the United States during the recent four-day India-Pakistan conflict, despite New Delhi’s firm denial that Washington played any role in mediating a ceasefire.
According to the report, a U.S. lobbying firm hired by the Indian Embassy actively reached out to senior American officials on May 10, the same day the conflict ended.
India, like all foreign countries has hired firms in the US for lobbying in the US.
India signed an agreement with SHW Partners LLC, a firm led by Jason Miller in April last year for lobbying.
Agreement disclosed in FARA filling: pic.twitter.com/et5GfvpHYh
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 6, 2026
The firm, SHW LLC, is headed by Jason Miller, a former aide and spokesperson to U.S. President Donald Trump. Filings made under the U.S. Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) show that the firm contacted White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and National Security Council official Ricky Gill to discuss media coverage and developments related to the conflict. While the filings do not clarify whether the calls happened before or after the ceasefire, they suggest close coordination on a critical day.
Indian Embassy used Trump aide’s firm to deal with trade, Op Sindoor- Filings show lobbyist asked to fix meetings for Jaishankar, FS, Dy NSA, Ambassador, flag Modi tweets, calls to WH, USTR on May 10 during Op Sindoor ceasefire. Reporting @the_hindu
https://t.co/Qfgzp7EDED— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) January 6, 2026
This has drawn attention because Indian officials have repeatedly rejected claims by President Trump that the U.S. helped defuse the crisis, including his assertion that trade pressure was used to push both sides toward peace. The reported call to the U.S. trade representative, especially regarding Operation Sindoor, has added to the scrutiny.
Moreover, the lobbying firm was hired in April 2025 on a $1.8 million annual contract and has reportedly received $900,000 so far. Former diplomats say that while embassies often hire lobbyists for advice, setting up direct meetings and calls with top U.S. officials is usually handled by diplomats themselves. Many described this approach as unusual.
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The filings also show the firm arranged meetings and calls for senior Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, particularly as trade tensions grew due to U.S. tariff decisions.
Officials familiar with the matter say the episode reflects the changing dynamics in Washington, suggesting that India may have had limited options but to adapt to the new rules of engagement with the Trump administration.
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