On 10th February, six US Congressmen wrote to newly appointed Attorney General Pamela Bedi, questioning the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) indictment of the Adani Group in an alleged bribery scandal. The lawmakers raised concerns over what they described as “questionable decisions” by the Biden administration and warned that such moves could strain relations with a key ally like India.
The letter, accessed by OpIndia, was signed by Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R. Timmons, and Brian Babin. The Congressmen urged the Attorney General to reconsider the indictment and argued that it lacked clear US interests, risking damage to diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Allegations against Adani Group
Notably, US prosecutors have accused Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate of being involved in a scheme to pay over $250 million (around ₹2,100 crores) in bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms in solar power contracts. They claimed that the information about the kickbacks was concealed from American banks and investors who provided funds for the project. However, the allegations were strongly denied by the Adani Group, maintaining that there was no wrongdoing on its part.
‘No compelling US interest in the case’
In the letter, the Congressmen expressed concerns that the case against Adani is based on allegations of activities that took place entirely in India, involving Indian officials and executives of an Indian company. They questioned the motive behind the Biden administration’s decision to indict Adani executives rather than defer the matter to the Indian authorities.
The Congressmen wrote, “There is no compelling reason to pursue a case in a manner that could complicate relations with an ally like India unless some external factors were at play.” They further accused the administration of selectively targeting cases, stating that such actions “often act against America’s interests at home and abroad.”
Warning of diplomatic fallout
In their letter, the Congressmen stressed that India has been a crucial partner to the US for decades. The ties between the two countries extend beyond politics and trade to a broader socio-cultural relationship. They warned that such politically motivated decisions by agencies influenced by left-wing megadonors could undermine diplomatic efforts that have been in place for years.
They pointed out that this case emerged just ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, suggesting that the indictment could have broader political motivations. The letter stated, “This misguided crusade came at the risk of harming our relationship with a strategic geopolitical partner like India immediately preceding President Trump’s return to the Oval Office.”
The letter added, “America and India share a deep sense of mutual respect and appreciation—a sentiment reflected in the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have consistently recognised the immense potential of a robust economic and military partnership between the United States and India. Trump actively worked with the Modi government to strengthen bilateral relations, fostering a strategic alliance that extends beyond trade and politics. In response, Modi has positioned India as a key ally of the US, particularly in countering the rising influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region. However, politically motivated decisions by agencies influenced by left-wing megadonors threaten to undermine years of diplomatic efforts. Any deterioration in US-India relations not only weakens a longstanding partnership but also plays into the hands of adversaries like China, which seeks to challenge the American economy and expand its global influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).”
Caution against benefiting China
The lawmakers cautioned that any fallout in US-India relations would directly benefit adversaries like China, as India has a crucial role in countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region. They specifically mentioned Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and argued that undermining relations with India could aid China’s efforts to dominate global trade and economic control.
They further argued that discouraging investors who have contributed billions to the US economy would hurt America’s long-term economic prospects. The lawmakers wrote, “Needless pursuits against those who have created thousands of jobs deter and discourage investors from contributing to the US economy.”
Call for investigation into Biden administration’s motives
While concluding the letter, the Congressmen demanded an investigation into the Department of Justice’s actions and called for transparency regarding the motivations behind the indictment. They requested the Attorney General to share all records related to the case, suggesting that it could expose whether the previous administration had been compromised by outside entities over the past four years.
They wrote, “We request you investigate the Biden DOJ’s conduct and would appreciate you sharing with us all records pertaining to this case, for a coordinated effort in uncovering the truth.”
The letter is a clear indication that there is growing discontent among sections of US lawmakers over the Biden administration’s approach to handling relations with India. Some lawmakers view the Adani indictment as a politically charged move rather than a matter of legal necessity.
Case against Adani Group
In November 2024, a US court unsealed a five-count indictment against Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and others, alleging bribery and fraud. Prosecutors claim Adani, Sagar R Adani, and Vneet S Jaain misled investors while securing funds, and former executives of a renewable-energy firm conspired to violate anti-corruption laws. The indictment also accuses them of obstructing FBI, DOJ, and SEC investigations. US Attorney Breon Peace alleged they undermined global financial markets. The defendants remain presumed innocent. The accusations were denied by the Adani Group.
The charges were presented against them by Breon Stacey Peace, who was the 48th United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Following the accusations, it came to light that Breon Peace had a connection to George Soros, hinting at a larger conspiracy to yet again damage the Indian industrialist’s reputation and business. OpIndia’s detailed report on it can be checked here.
With inputs from agencies.
