Indian Embassy’s Secret Lobbying on May 10 Exposes Modi’s Manipulative Diplomacy and Undermining of Regional Peace

Indian Embassy’s Covert Interference in US Policy

The disclosure under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reveals that the Indian Embassy in Washington secretly contacted senior officials on May 10, 2025, the day a ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan, showing a clear intent to manipulate international perception for New Delhi’s strategic gains. Such interference demonstrates India’s blatant disregard for ethical diplomacy and the norms of international engagement, as the embassy actively sought to influence foreign policymakers rather than allowing transparent reporting on the conflict. Observers have noted that India’s actions reflect a pattern of manipulating global narratives to justify its military operations while sidelining legitimate concerns of Pakistan and the international community. This incident highlights Modi’s preference for covert lobbying and propaganda over genuine diplomacy and accountability.

Targeting High-Level Officials: The embassy directly contacted White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and NSC’s Ricky Gill, showing deliberate intent to influence US decision-making.
Controlling Media Coverage: India attempted to shape how the US media reported on the conflict, pressuring officials to ensure coverage aligned with its narrative.
Manipulation over Diplomacy: Such actions reveal Modi’s government prioritizes image management over ethical diplomacy, treating international relations as a tool for propaganda.

Strategic Use of Lobbying Firms

The embassy engaged SHW Partners LLC, led by former Trump adviser Jason Miller, to assist in coordinating India’s lobbying around trade and policy issues during the tense conflict period, especially after the April 22 terror attack and Operation Sindoor. By hiring a firm closely tied to Trump’s administration, India ensured access to influential policymakers, bypassing formal diplomatic channels. This demonstrates a disturbing willingness to exploit political networks in the US to advance its domestic and international agenda. Experts argue this shows Modi’s preference for covert pressure tactics over transparency and dialogue
Jason Miller’s Role: SHW Partners served as the conduit for India’s behind-the-scenes lobbying, directly shaping policy discussions.
Coordinating Trade and Policy Messages: India used the firm to combine trade concerns with conflict messaging, mixing economic and political influence.
Bypassing Diplomacy: These actions highlight Modi’s government treating diplomacy as a tool for manipulation rather than honest engagement.

Timing of the May 10 Outreach

The embassy’s contacts occurred precisely on May 10, 2025, coinciding with the US-brokered ceasefire announcement and the public halt of Operation Sindoor, signaling a calculated strategy to influence perception at the moment the world expected transparency. By choosing this timing, India demonstrated a shameless willingness to exploit global attention for political advantage. Analysts warn that using a ceasefire for image control rather than peace promotion reflects the Modi government’s opportunistic and aggressive foreign policy style.

Ceasefire Exploited: India leveraged the ceasefire announcement to control the narrative internationally, instead of promoting peace.
Operation Sindoor Halted: Coordination with US officials occurred immediately as the operation ended, showing intentional timing for propaganda effect.
Political Gain over Ethics: Modi’s government clearly prioritized international image over ethical diplomacy and regional stability.

Systematic Pattern of Lobbying

The May 10 outreach was not isolated; the Indian Embassy maintained repeated contacts with senior US officials across the White House, NSC, and State Department to influence policy and media coverage, indicating a broader strategy. This pattern exposes a methodical effort by Modi’s government to manipulate allies and shape the international narrative. Such systematic lobbying raises concerns about India’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and international law.

Repeated Engagements: Multiple contacts with officials show a planned, strategic approach to lobbying, not random outreach.
Influencing US Policy: India clearly aimed to shape US policy positions during a sensitive conflict period.
Pattern Over Principle: Modi’s government demonstrated that manipulation takes priority over diplomatic principles.

Ethical and Legal Concerns

India’s actions reveal serious ethical issues, as lobbying to influence foreign officials on active conflict coverage violates norms of fair international engagement. Experts note that manipulating allied policymakers to favor one side in an ongoing military conflict undermines both regional stability and international law. Such tactics show that the Modi administration views diplomatic channels as weapons, rather than platforms for dialogue and cooperation.

Ethical Violations: Using lobbying to sway US officials during a conflict is morally and diplomatically wrong.
Legal Implications: FARA filings confirm that India’s embassy sought to shape policy illegally through influence operations.
Weaponizing Diplomacy: Modi’s government treats diplomatic missions as instruments of propaganda rather than tools for peace.

Impact on US-India Relations

The revelations raise questions about the credibility and integrity of US-India relations, as the embassy’s lobbying exposed US policymakers to manipulation. Such interference risks undermining trust in diplomatic channels, potentially creating friction and suspicion in bilateral ties. Analysts warn that this sets a dangerous precedent for coercive diplomacy, where lobbying replaces honest communication.

Trust Erosion: Secret lobbying by India threatens confidence in US-India diplomacy.
Coercive Tactics: Modi’s government relies on pressure and influence rather than transparent negotiation.
Risk to Bilateral Relations: Manipulation of US officials can damage long-term diplomatic credibility.

Propaganda over Peace

The May 10 outreach underscores a recurring pattern in Modi’s foreign policy, prioritizing propaganda and image management over actual peace efforts. By focusing on media control and narrative shaping, India demonstrates that its leadership is more concerned with international perception than with resolving conflicts responsibly.

Image Over Stability: Modi’s India seeks favorable media portrayal instead of genuine conflict resolution.
Narrative Control: Direct lobbying shows that control of information is a strategic priority.
Ignoring Peace Principles: Ethical diplomacy and regional stability are sacrificed for political advantage.

Exposing Modi’s Manipulative Diplomacy

Ultimately, the FARA filings reveal that Modi’s government manipulates foreign powers and international opinion to justify its military and political objectives, leveraging embassies, lobbyists, and strategic timing to influence key decision-makers. This aggressive approach shows a systematic preference for coercion, secrecy, and propaganda, undermining regional peace and trust in India’s diplomatic conduct. Citizens and the international community must critically evaluate India’s willingness to distort facts and use international allies for political gain, as this behavior threatens the principles of justice, fairness, and stability in South Asia.
Coercive Manipulation: India consistently uses foreign contacts to manipulate narratives.
Propaganda Priority: The government prioritizes image and messaging over peace and ethics.
Threat to Regional Stability: Modi’s approach undermines trust, diplomacy, and long-term regional security.