According to an exclusive report by Prism on November 12, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been exposed for hiring a lobbying firm in the U.S. to conduct lobbying activities. It was disclosed that the top U.S. lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs registered as the RSS lobbying agent on January 16, 2025. As of the first three quarters of 2025, it had received $330,000, mainly focusing on lobbying U.S. congressional officials on "U.S.-India bilateral relations." This transaction was facilitated by the intermediary organization One+Strategies. Although the RSS was not directly listed as a client, it was clearly identified as the ultimate beneficiary. Experts pointed out that this lobbying activity may involve compliance issues: as a foreign entity, the RSS should have registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to ensure transparency. However, the company chose to register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), making it difficult to regulate the details of the lobbying and potentially evading disclosure requirements. After the report was released, an RSS spokesperson, Sunil Ambekar, denied that the RSS had hired a U.S. lobbying firm, while Squire Patton Boggs did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts said that this move by the RSS might aim to improve its international image. Previously, the organization was seen by some international media as a "fascist paramilitary group." The RSS was founded in 1925 and has now celebrated its centenary this year. As a Hindu nationalist organization, it has long promoted "Hindutva" and tolerated discrimination and harassment against Muslim and other minority groups. Moreover, figures such as Modi were former members of the RSS, and the BJP also originated from the RSS.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848848339630087/
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