Pahalgam Attack Aftermath: Pakistan and India Hire Trump Allies as US Lobbyists - Bio Points News

Pahalgam Attack: Pakistan and India Hire Lobbyists in the US Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant diplomatic development following the recent Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, both Pakistan and India have taken strategic steps to strengthen their political influence in Washington. In a move reflecting the growing complexities of South Asian geopolitics, both nations have hired high-profile American lobbyists — notably former allies of ex-US President Donald Trump — to advocate for their interests in the United States.

This maneuver comes at a time when regional tensions are escalating, and both Islamabad and New Delhi aim to sway US policymakers in their favor on critical security and foreign policy issues.

India Hires Jason Miller for $150,000 a Month

According to a report published by Dawn, India has signed a contract with Jason Miller, a prominent long-time advisor to President Donald Trump. The contract, worth $150,000 per month, will see Miller representing the Indian government in Washington, marking his first official lobbying role during Trump’s second term.

A filing with the US Department of Justice revealed that Jason Miller will be responsible for providing a range of services, including:

• Strategic advice

• Public relations campaigns

• Government affairs consulting

• Strategic planning and lobbying services

Miller is a well-known figure in US conservative political circles, having played pivotal roles in both of Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns. He also served as a senior adviser in the White House during Trump’s first tenure.

After leaving the Trump administration, Miller launched a social media platform called Gator, which was promoted as a free-speech alternative to Twitter. His deep ties to conservative networks and influence within Republican circles make him a valuable asset for India as it seeks to position itself advantageously in Washington.

Pakistan Signs Deal with Trump Allies via Javelin Advisors

On the very same day, Pakistan responded with its own lobbying arrangements. Two notable associates of Donald Trump — Keith Schiller, a former deputy White House aide, and George Surial, a former Trump Organization executive — registered as foreign agents for Pakistan.

According to documents seen by Dawn and reported by Politico, Surial and Schiller’s firm Javelin Advisors LLC has been brought in as a subcontractor to Seddon Law, a legal and lobbying firm that recently signed a lucrative $200,000-a-month contract with the Pakistani government.

Under this agreement, Javelin Advisors will receive $50,000 a month for its lobbying efforts. George Surial, co-author of The Real Deal — a book detailing his time with Donald Trump — is expected to play a lead role in this assignment, leveraging his personal networks and political experience to advance Pakistan’s narrative and concerns in Washington.

The Strategic Importance and Timing of These Deals

While lobbying contracts between foreign governments and American firms are common, these particular deals have garnered unusual attention due to their timing. The recent Pahalgam attack, which resulted in multiple casualties and heightened regional tensions, has placed South Asian affairs back on the radar of US policymakers and media outlets.

Both India and Pakistan are now keenly aware of the importance of controlling the diplomatic narrative in Washington. By hiring lobbyists deeply connected to former President Trump and influential conservative figures, both nations aim to:

• Influence US foreign policy discussions on South Asia

• Shape media coverage and public opinion in the US

• Counter each other’s diplomatic moves and lobbying efforts

• Secure favorable positions in potential congressional debates and policy reviews

Given the possibility of Donald Trump’s re-election bid and his ongoing influence over the Republican establishment, these contracts reflect a calculated effort by both governments to prepare for possible shifts in US foreign policy priorities.

The Role of Lobbying in South Asian Diplomacy

Foreign lobbying in Washington has long been a tool for nations to safeguard their strategic interests. From defense agreements to human rights discussions and trade negotiations, lobbyists often act as intermediaries between governments and US lawmakers, policy advisers, and media outlets.

Both Pakistan and India have maintained lobbying operations in the US for decades, but the intensity and high-profile nature of these latest contracts indicate a new chapter in South Asian diplomatic rivalry.

The inclusion of Trump associates further signals that both countries are positioning themselves to navigate a potentially changing US political landscape, especially with Trump remaining a dominant figure in American politics.

Final Thoughts

The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack has not only escalated regional tensions but also sparked a fresh lobbying battle in Washington, DC. With both Pakistan and India engaging former Trump allies as lobbyists, the stakes are higher than ever in this complex geopolitical game.

As US foreign policy debates on Kashmir, human rights, and South Asian security dynamics continue, the influence of these lobbyists could shape narratives, media coverage, and policy decisions in the months ahead. It remains to be seen how this lobbying rivalry will impact Washington’s stance on the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict and broader South Asian affairs.