India-hired lobbyist Jason Miller meets Trump amid trade tensions

Political strategist and lobbyist Jason Miller, whose firm was engaged by India earlier this year, met US President Donald Trump and members of his administration at a time when friction over trade and tariffs has strained relations between the two countries.

Miller, who heads SHW Partners LLC, was contracted by the Indian embassy in April for a reported fee of USD 1.8 million for a year.

Although he did not specify the agenda of his discussions in Washington, Miller shared several photos on social media, including one with President Trump.

”Fantastic week in Washington with so many friends being in town, topped off of course by having the opportunity to stop in and see our President in-action! Keep up the great work, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump!,” he posted.

The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a major downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent including a 25 per cent additional duties for India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the US action as ”unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.

However, there were signs of efforts to check the downturn with President Trump on Friday describing India-US relationship as ”special” and that he will always be ”friends” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

”I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great prime minister, he’s great. I’ll always be friends but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment,” Trump said a news conference.

”But India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also reciprocated to the US President’s remarks.

”Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi said.

”India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” he noted on ’X’.

With inputs from agencies