Pakistan outspent India threefold on lobbying efforts in Washington: Report
What's the story
Pakistan has reportedly outspent India by nearly three times in lobbying efforts in Washington, United States. The New York Times reported that the country paid $5 million to gain access and favorable deals with US President Donald Trump and his associates. This marked a major shift in US-Pakistan relations since January, with Trump meeting Pakistani leaders at the White House twice this year.
Successful strategy
Pakistan's lobbying efforts yield favorable outcomes
The lobbying strategy seems to have paid off for Pakistan. After signing contracts with six firms, including Seiden Law LLP and Orchid Advisors, Pakistan got tariff relief from Trump. Initially, Trump had imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistan, which was later reduced to 19%. Meanwhile, India saw its tariffs increased by an additional 25%, taking them to a total of 50%.
Economic cooperation
Pakistan signs $500 million deal with US
In addition to tariff relief, Pakistan also signed a $500 million deal with the United States for natural mineral extraction. Michael Kugelman, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, noted that lobbyists were hired to address tariff issues and promote economic cooperation. He said, "There were lobbyists charged with dealing with the tariff issue...then Pakistan's tariffs came down."
Contrast
Trump's approach to foreign relations differs from Biden's
Trump's approach to foreign relations has been starkly different from that of his predecessor, Joe Biden. While Trump has met Pakistani leaders twice at the White House, Biden didn't hold any phone calls with them in four years. This shift in focus is largely attributed to Pakistan's hefty lobbying expenses on firms run by Trump's confidants, which reportedly have successfully secured access and favorable deals for the country.