Congress has alleged that PM Narendra Modi was paying money to get US President Donald Trump to post his praise. Congress wrote on its official According to Congress, the lobbying firm which was hired by the Indian government at a salary of 75 thousand dollars every month, got Trump's post congratulating him on PM Modi becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in June 2026.
Congress says that the firm belongs to people close to Trump, hence it had easy access to Trump and that is why the government gave it money. The party also said that when Indian ships and sailors were being attacked around Hormuz, the government was doing 'fake PR'. Congress called it 'shameful' and said that the dignity of the post of Prime Minister has fallen by getting false praise done by paying money.
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On what basis is Congress making allegations?
An Indian Express report claims that American lobbying firm 'SHW Partners LLC' has stated in a new filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) that 8 phone calls were made between senior officials of the Indian government and the White House in May-June. The firm is led by Trump ally Jason Miller. In the filing, the subject of these calls has been mentioned as India-US relations and they have been counted among the political activities of the firm.
Under FARA, agents carrying out political activities on behalf of foreign parties are required to make public their relationships, activities and the money they receive from time to time. According to the firm, before the visit of Foreign Minister Marco Rubio to India in May, the Indian side was discussed with Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, Deputy NSA Michael Needham and Under Secretary Jean Lange.
Rubio's visit in June was followed by calls with US Trade Representative Jameson Greer, presidential policy assistant Walker Barrett and White House communications director Steven Cheung, the Indian Express reported. The filing also mentions two 'embassy events' with Rubio on May 23 and 24. Marco Rubio was in India from 23 to 26 May.
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How does this American firm work?
According to the report, India had appointed Miller's firm in April 2025. The contract was extended for one year in April this year but was terminated on June 23 after Miller became a 'Special Government Employee' in the Trump administration. This contract stipulated a monthly payment of $150,000. According to the documents, the work included providing strategic advice and government liaison on policy matters to the US government, Congress, state governments, academic institutions and think tanks.
After Trump's re-election, the Indian Embassy hired two big lobbying firms led by people considered close to Trump. The second firm is Mercury Public Affairs, which was hired at $75,000 per month. Its core team includes Brian Lanza, communications director for Trump's transition team. Trump's current chief of staff Suzy Wiles was a registered lobbyist of this firm until the end of 2024.