During the sensitive period of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Embassy in Washington engaged a consulting firm linked to a close aide of former US President Donald Trump to facilitate high-level discussions on trade, strategic cooperation, and bilateral ties, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move highlights India’s calibrated diplomatic outreach at a time of heightened geopolitical activity and evolving power equations in Washington.
Operation Sindoor, a major diplomatic and strategic phase for India, required intensive engagement with key stakeholders in the United States, including policymakers, lawmakers, and influential political networks. With the US political landscape deeply polarised and the possibility of leadership transitions looming, Indian officials sought to ensure that New Delhi’s perspectives were clearly communicated across party lines.
Strategic Engagement Through External Expertise
The consulting firm, led by an individual closely associated with Donald Trump’s political circle, was reportedly hired to provide strategic advisory support, stakeholder mapping, and access to influential voices within conservative and Republican-aligned policy networks. Such firms often act as intermediaries, helping foreign missions navigate Washington’s complex lobbying, policy, and political ecosystems.
Officials indicated that the engagement focused on trade policy continuity, defence cooperation, supply chain resilience, and technology partnerships, all of which were critical during Operation Sindoor. With global economic uncertainty and security challenges intensifying, India was keen to reinforce its position as a reliable strategic partner to the US, irrespective of domestic political shifts there.
Trade and Bilateral Ties in Focus
One of the core objectives of the outreach was to maintain momentum in India US trade negotiations, particularly around market access, tariffs, and emerging technology cooperation. India has been seeking greater predictability in trade relations, while also pushing for deeper collaboration in semiconductors, clean energy, and critical minerals.
Sources suggest that the consulting firm helped arrange background briefings and informal discussions with policy influencers, think tanks, and former administration officials who continue to wield significant influence in Republican circles. These interactions were aimed at clarifying India’s policy positions and countering any potential misperceptions during a period of heightened diplomatic sensitivity.
A Common Diplomatic Practice
Experts note that engaging external advisory or lobbying firms is a common practice among foreign governments operating in Washington, where informal networks often play as important a role as official channels. Such engagements are typically governed by US disclosure laws and are intended to supplement, not replace, formal diplomatic dialogue.
“The US system works heavily on influence, relationships, and continuity beyond administrations,” said a former Indian diplomat. “Ensuring access to all political camps is a pragmatic approach, especially during operations that have long-term strategic implications.”
Political Sensitivities and Transparency
The reported link to a Trump aide has drawn attention, given the former president’s continued influence within the Republican Party and his potential return to the political spotlight. However, officials stressed that the engagement was non-partisan in intent, focused on safeguarding India’s national interests rather than aligning with any individual or political faction.
There has been no indication of wrongdoing, and such contracts typically involve transparent filings under US regulations. The Indian Embassy has not publicly commented on the specifics of the engagement, but sources emphasised that all actions were taken within established diplomatic and legal frameworks.
Reinforcing India’s Washington Playbook
The episode underscores how India is increasingly adopting a multi-layered diplomatic strategy in Washington combining formal diplomacy with strategic outreach to political influencers. As India–US relations continue to expand across defence, technology, and trade, such engagements are likely to remain a key part of New Delhi’s foreign policy toolkit.
During Operation Sindoor, when strategic clarity and communication were paramount, the outreach through a Trump-linked firm reflects India’s intent to ensure its voice was heard clearly across the American political spectrum.
