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India paid $75,000 monthly to firm behind Trump’s Modi post

Published : Monday, 9 November, 2026 at 8:52 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

India paid US lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs $75,000 a month under a contract that included arranging US President Donald Trump’s social media post congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving prime minister.

The firm disclosed the June 2026 post among its activities in filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), according to a report by The Indian Express. Mercury's team included Bryan Lanza, a former communications director of Trump's transition team.

The disclosures also revealed that India hired another lobbying firm, SHW Partners LLC, headed by Trump aide Jason Miller, for $150,000 a month. The firm arranged eight calls between Indian representatives and senior White House officials in May and June to discuss India-US relations.

The contract with SHW Partners was terminated on June 23 after Miller joined the Trump administration as a special government employee.

Under FARA, organisations representing foreign governments in political activities in the United States must disclose their clients, activities and financial compensation.

-AH

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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