NEW DELHI: A lobbyist firm engaged by ambassador S.S.Ray in Washington to protect and pro mote India’s image in the U.S.A. has fallen apart leaving Ray with egg on his face, according to a report in The Economic Times. Two of the four partners of the firm have abandoned it while the third partner is not traceable in Washington. Ray had chosen the firm in the teeth of opposition from India’s external affairs ministry, the prime minister’s house and the Finance ministry but the matter had been left to the ambassador “as he knew best.” It is exactly not clear as to why the promoters left the firm but the Indian government has told Ray to have no truck with the firm. The lobby firm was chosen last month to counter stories of human rights violations in India. The firm may have to be compensated by India, Otherwise, it is felt, India’s image in the U.S.A, will further worsen. In the circumstances, India will have to do without a lobbyist in the USA.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 27, 1993
