WASHINGTON, DC: India Watchers are abuzz with the news that the embassy has hired an untried lobbying firm to shine up the tarnished image of Indias with Capital policy makers.
In a recent India Today article the lobbyist are praised for getting the Pressler Amendment changed in Indias favor wrangling an invite to the State of the Union dinner for Embassy deputy chief Kanwal Sibbal and having as one of the partners David Springer longtime friend of Congressman Gary Ackerman chairman of the House sub -committee on Asia and Pacific affairs.
India probably feels it’s getting a deal since the cost of the Public Relations firm of Daniel J. Edelman is included in the contract and Edelman vice president is one of Washington’s best known insiders former Republic chief of Staff and Nancy Reagan confidante Michael Deaver.
In correspondence with the embassy The Firm like any good front man has made grand promises to sugar coat Indias Human rights abuses nuclear arms and its fair and equal treatment of its citizens meanwhile promoting investment and India’s business potential.
The Firms contract with the embassy makes this indubitably clear stating the maintenance and continued growth of Understanding and cooperation between India and the United States largely is dependent upon the projection of a fair and accurate image of Indias vast economic resources increasing business opportunities for American films excellent Our Ist attractions and dynamic modem soviet structure.
In that regard it is important than key decision makers and opinion makers in the United States be properly informed about Indias important economic achievements and future business potential.
2.The ability of key decision makers and opinion makers in the United States to properly appreciate Indias economic achievements also requires these decision makers and Opinion makers have A detailed correct and balance understanding of various political tissues in India today including human rights matters nuclear nonproliferation matters and the current state of affairs in various regions of India
3.To fulfill these important objectives the Firm shall conduct meetings with the Members and staff of the United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as officials in the Executive Branch of the United States Government and relevant federal independent regulatory agencies.
- The Firm shall advise and assist the Embassy in dealing with legislation pending in the Congress and proposed agency or Executive Branch activities which could have an adverse impact on the economic political or diplomatic relationships between India and the United States.
- The Firm also shall assist the Embassy in promoting greater appreciation and recognition in the United States of Indias emerging role as a friend and economic partner of the United States. In that regard the Firm shall assist the Embassy in encouraging United States businesses to make foreign investments in India.
6.As compensation for these services the Firm shall receive a fee from the Embassy totaling $276000 for a period of six months. This fee shall be paid in monthly installments of $46000 per month.
The Firm certainly has its work cut out for it.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 18, 1994
