Walmart still lobbying in US on Indian retail issues: report

Global retailer Walmart, which earlier this month announced the buyout of Bharti group's 50-per cent stake in their wholesale joint venture in India, amidst an inconclusive government probe into the multinational's illegal financial dealings in the country (See: Wal-Mart probe: ball now in RBI's court), is reported to have resumed its lobbying in the US.

Walmart lobbyists are reported to have discussed nearly 50 'specific issues' with the US lawmakers, including those related to Indian market, during the quarter ended 30 September.

The retailer has spent a total of $1.5 million on such lobbying activities during the quarter, according to its latest Lobbying Disclosure Form submitted to the US Senate.

Walmart has been lobbying with the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of State, US Trade Representatives, US Agency for International Development and the Department of Labour, among others, the 19-page disclosure report shows.

"Discussions regarding foreign direct Investment in India" is one of the ten-odd specific issues in the area of trade that were carried out by registered lobbyists on behalf of Walmart during third quarter of 2013.''

Walmart, which had lobbied with the US lawmakers and federal agencies for opening up the retail market in India for nearly five years, ended lobbying on India-specific issues in the preceding quarter, as per Congressional records.

Walmart lobbyists were lying low for the past few months when an investigation carried out by government agencies had found that Walmart went beyond its mandate in dealings over its wholesale joint venture with the Bharti group.

While the probe into Walmart's illegal activities remained inconclusive as Walmart and others did not provide the required information, the union cabinet is due to discuss a probe report on Walmart's lobbying to enter India.

And, despite the probe, Walmart is still lobbying with the Indian government to further relax norms for FDI in multi-brand retail business, where the government allowed 51 per cent foreign equity despite opposition from within the government and by the opposition parties.

Walmart has been maintaining that it had disclosed all its lobbying activities as per the US rules and it did not violate any Indian regulations in this regard, there are no clear regulations in India on lobbying.

While Indian companies also present their case with government and other agencies, either directly or through industry bodies and other groups, these are not termed as lobbying, nor does the law allow for spending on such activities.