Amid escalating trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington, Jason Miller, India’s lobbyist in the United States, recently met U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration in Washington. Miller’s firm, SHW Partners LLC, was hired by the Indian Embassy earlier this year under a one-year contract worth approximately USD 1.8 million to advance India’s interests in the U.S. capital.
Posting photos of his meeting with Trump on social media, Miller praised the President’s leadership, though he did not disclose the specific agenda of the discussions. His firm has been tasked with providing strategic counsel, tactical planning, and government relations support to the Indian government, particularly during a period of heightened economic strain.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of President Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, with an additional 25 percent levy on imports linked to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil. New Delhi has denounced the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Miller, who has previously acted as an informal liaison between New Delhi and members of the U.S. Congress on counter-terrorism strategy, is considered to have a strong understanding of President Trump’s political instincts. Indian officials expect his role to help navigate diplomacy and mitigate the impact of the trade rift.
Despite the ongoing tariff dispute, both governments have signaled their intent to preserve the broader relationship. On Friday, Trump described ties with India as “special,” stressing his personal friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I will always be friends with Modi… but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment,” Trump said.
Prime Minister Modi quickly responded, affirming India’s commitment to a “positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership” with the United States.
The meeting between Miller and Trump is being viewed as part of a broader effort to stabilize relations, which remain crucial for both countries’ economic and strategic goals.