Amidst escalating trade tensions between the United States and India, lobbyist Jason Miller, whose firm represents the Indian government in Washington, recently met with former President Donald Trump. The meeting has garnered significant attention, given the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries and Miller's close ties to Trump.
Jason Miller, a former senior advisor to Donald Trump, heads SHW Partners LLC, a lobbying firm hired by the Indian government to bolster its diplomatic outreach to the U.S. administration. The Indian government pays SHW Partners LLC $150,000 per month for its services, totaling $1.8 million for the year-long contract. The firm's responsibilities include providing strategic counsel, tactical planning, and government relations assistance on policy matters before the U.S. government, Congress, state governments, academic institutions, and think tanks.
Miller's meeting with Trump occurred at a critical juncture in U.S.-India relations. Recent trade disputes, particularly the U.S.'s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, have created a challenging environment. These tariffs, which include additional duties on India's purchase of Russian crude oil, have been described by India as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable". The U.S. has expressed disappointment with India's continued purchase of oil from Russia, a key factor contributing to the heightened tariffs.
The timing of Miller's meeting with Trump is particularly noteworthy as it came shortly after Trump publicly stated that the U.S. and India have a "special relationship" and that there is "nothing to worry about". He acknowledged a "momentary hiccup" in the bilateral relationship but affirmed his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi reciprocated these sentiments, expressing his appreciation for Trump's positive assessment of their ties and emphasizing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
While the specific agenda of Miller's meeting with Trump remains undisclosed, it is widely speculated that it focused on easing trade tensions and strengthening diplomatic ties. Miller himself shared a photo from the White House, noting he had a "fantastic week in Washington" and had the opportunity to see "our President in-action!".
Miller's role as a lobbyist for India is not without its complexities. While his close relationship with Trump could be an asset in navigating Washington's political landscape, he has also faced controversies in the past. Despite these challenges, the Indian government views Miller's expertise and connections as valuable in promoting its interests in the U.S..
The engagement of lobbying firms by both India and Pakistan highlights the strategic importance of Washington D.C. in shaping international relations. While India has enlisted Jason Miller, Pakistan has hired Keith Schiller, a former Trump bodyguard, to advocate for its strategic interests. This "battle of the Trump whisperers" underscores the intense competition for influence in the U.S. capital.
As the U.S. and India navigate their current challenges, the role of lobbyists like Jason Miller becomes increasingly significant. Their ability to facilitate communication, provide strategic counsel, and leverage political connections could prove crucial in de-escalating tensions and fostering a more productive relationship between the two countries. Whether Miller can successfully leverage his connections and expertise to improve Washington-Delhi relations remains to be seen.
