Sep 29, 2026 16:18 pm IST

Opinion | India Has A 'Lobbying' Problem In Washington, And It Has Come Back To Haunt It

While the EU, Japan, the UK and South Korea secured quick deals, India's efforts were getting drained in prolonged negotiations and the wrong kind of lobbying.

Abhishek Kadiyala Abhishek Kadiyala Columnist

Abhishek Kadiyala Columnist

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India as one of the top five importers of Russian energy. The passing of this act highlights major gaps in India's lobbying strategy in Washington, involving a shrinking lobbying presence, an absence of bill-level engagement, and an excessive focus on trade deal negotiations. 

Draining Political Capital

Since 2025, India-US ties have been strained following Operation Sindoor, and the Trump administration's tariff announcement. This meant that while the EU, Japan, the UK and South Korea secured quick deals, India's diplomatic and lobbying efforts were getting drained in prolonged negotiations and lobbying focused on the executive. 

This took focus away from the Hill, which India seems to have judged had little to offer under unified Republican control. India's paid........

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