Washington – Squire Patton Boggs, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying firm, has ceased its lobbying efforts on behalf of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organization described as the ideological foundation of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The firm received $330,000 in 2025 for this work.
Shifting Disclosures
Initial disclosures filed with the US Congress indicated Squire Patton Boggs was hired by State Street Strategies to lobby for the RSS. However, the firm amended these disclosures in December 2025 to state they were contracted by an individual, Vivek Sharma, to increase awareness of the RSS among US officials. The original registration document still available online continues to name the RSS as the client.
Sharma, a resident of Acton, Massachusetts, is the executive chairman of Cohance Lifesciences, and has a background spanning over two decades in the pharmaceutical and financial industries. He was identified in reports as contributing more than $5,000 to the lobbying activities each quarter.
Former Republican Congressman Bill Shuster was identified as a key lobbyist associated with the contract. Attempts to gain comment from Squire Patton Boggs, State Street Strategies, and Vivek Sharma were unsuccessful.
Political Ramifications
News of the initial lobbying efforts sparked controversy in India. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated, “This is hardly the first time that the RSS..has betrayed national interest.” The RSS itself, however, denied engaging any lobbying firm in the United States, with spokesperson Sunil Ambekar stating the organization “works in Bharat and has not engaged any lobbying firm in United States of America.”
A point of contention was the firms’ choice to register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995 rather than the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The Department of Justice states that LDA registration exempts firms from FARA requirements when representing businesses, individuals, or nonprofits – but not foreign governments or political parties. The RSS does not fall into the latter category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the stated goal of Squire Patton Boggs’ contract?
According to disclosures, the firm’s goal was to “introduce the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to US officials.”
When did Squire Patton Boggs’ contract with Vivek Sharma terminate?
The contract was terminated on September 30, 2025.
Did Squire Patton Boggs initially disclose the RSS as the client?
Yes, initial disclosures stated Squire Patton Boggs was hired by State Street Strategies “on behalf of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”
As lobbying relationships shift and disclosures are amended, what does this case suggest about the evolving strategies of organizations seeking to influence policy and public opinion in the United States?
