In June, when Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared a post about it on his social media platform, Truth Social. This post was facilitated by the American lobbying firm Mercury Public Affairs.
According to documents filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the firm received a monthly fee of $75,000 for its services.
A report by The Indian Express states that the Modi government hired Mercury following Trump’s re-election. The firm’s senior leadership includes Brian Lanza, who served as communications director for Trump’s presidential transition team. Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff, was also a registered lobbyist for the firm until the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, SHW Partners LLC—a firm linked to Jason Miller, a close associate of Trump—facilitated eight phone calls between senior officials from the Indian central government and the White House. These discussions, which took place in May and June, focused on India-U.S. relations.
India entered into a contract with this firm in April 2025, with a monthly payment of $150,000. The agreement was terminated on June 23, following the appointment of a key individual associated with the firm to a position as a “special government employee” within the Trump administration.
Under U.S. law, entities conducting political activities on behalf of foreign governments are required to regularly disclose information regarding their operations, clients, and financial transactions. Details of these activities were revealed in recent filings by Mercury and SHW Partners.
