NEW DELHI - At a time when India's human rights record has come under increased scrutiny in the United States, the Indian government has engaged a lobbying firm in the US, Cornerstone Government Affairs, to put forth its position on policy matters more effectively to the American government and civil society.

Cornerstone will provide "strategic counsel, tactical planning and government relations assistance on policy matters" under a three-month contract that lasts until the end of February, according to a declaration filed last week in the US under its Foreign Agents Registration Act.