Lobbying in Washington The Tribune, Chandigarh, March 5,2005

LEADING lobbyists in Washington make a beeline to New Delhi whenever the embassy’s lobbying contract expires. Press reports suggest that Ambassador Robert Blackwill, who has moved from the White House to a leading lobbying firm, is among those in the fray this time. His sheer competence and his record as ambassador of India are likely to weigh in his favour in the minds of the decision-makers in New Delhi. The need for lobbyists and their role in promoting India-US relations should also be under review at this time.