'After nuclear deal, H-1B visas first major test for Indian lobbying'

Ashok Sharma, adjunct faculty at the University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy and fellow at the Australia-India Institute has closely tracked US-India relations and Indian lobbying in US foreign policy for a decade now. He's recently authored the book 'Indian Lobbying and its Influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War', tracing the Indian lobby at work during testing times including the Kargil War and the Indo-US nuclear deal. An alumnus of Delhi University and JNU, he tells Chidanand Rajghatta how lobbying has ramped up under PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump

Has Indian lobbying changed in style and substance since Trump came to the White House?
I won't say that. But since Modi's arrival and reactivation of Indian lobbying in the post-nuclear deal phase, H1-B visas is the first major issue to show its strength and effectiveness. Indian lobbying has suddenly become active, especially to tackle the US move to curb H-1B visas. It has also evolved in strength and strategy since its inception phase in the 1990s. It's now well-organised, coordinated and more focused in its approach. But they will need to focus on individuals and officials who are influential in the Trump administration.


Is Indian lobbying directed mainly at Congress or the administration, or both?
Though lobbying is done at every level of the government and political setup, the primary target is the US Congress where all policies are made. Congressional perception often affects executive action. In India's case, this was visible during the Cold War period. The executive action reflected the Congressional perception about India which was often hostile during debates on financial aid and the nuclear issue. It was the formation of the India Caucus in the US Congress in 1993 that led to a drastic transformation in perception. Its successful lobbying has contributed to a much better image of India in the US Congress that has paved the way for a favourable policy by subsequent US administrations. Today, Indian lobbying has fully arrived on Capitol Hill.

Which party -Republican or Democrats -have Indians had greater success with?
I would say the Democrats have been more welcoming traditionally. But eventually, Indian lobbying became bipartisan. Its success also depends upon the issue.

What instruments do Indian-Americans use for lobbying? Is it just money contribution or is there more -intellectual inputs, etc?
It's a combination of techniques, involving both direct and indirect lobbying.Unlike other nations, India has the benefit of lobbying not only through the embassy and by hiring lobbyists, but also a strong Indian diaspora. The Indian-American community's professional success, organisational strength, and passion to work for better US-India relations have been significant factors.

What has been the most successful instance of Indian lobbying?
It's difficult to say straightway. But I would say India's nuclear tests and the Kargil War. In both incidents, Indian lobbying emerged victorious. But its full strength was seen during the signing of the nuclear deal which was passed overwhelmingly at both stages in the US Congress. It reflected the strength, resources, leadership and extraordinary coordination between the segments of Indian lobbying: the Indian-American community and their political, professional and business organisations, the India Caucus, the lobbying firms hired by the Indian government and the Indian Mission in Washington.

For years, New Delhi abhorred professional lobbying firms. How much does it spend on lobbying now and is it money well spent?
During the Cold War, India was not interested in lobbying in the US. In fact, that wouldn't have worked. To be successful, a country needs to fall in the broad strategic and foreign policy priorities of the US. India was on the different side. That only changed after the end of the Cold War.

Since the 1990s, India has hired the top and most expensive firms to make its voice heard in Washington. During the passage of the nuclear deal, USIBC (US-India Business Council) hired Patton Boggs, one of the leading firms in Washington; the Indian government hired Barbour, Griffith & Rogers, headed by former US ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, and the Venable Law Firm. Reportedly, Patton Boggs was paid $5 million, but the exact figure is not available. A lot of direct and indirect resources are put into lobbying efforts, and all of it cannot be calculated in money terms.