India has clarified its stance on the indictment of Gautam Adani by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) over alleged bribery for solar energy contracts. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that the Modi government was neither informed in advance nor involved in the matter, emphasizing it as a legal issue between private entities and the US authorities.
Key Points From the Statement:
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that no prior communication was made to India regarding the charges.
- The government has not received any formal requests related to the indictment from the US side.
- Jaiswal affirmed that all legal procedures would be followed if such requests arise, in accordance with mutual legal assistance norms.
US Charges Against Adani
US prosecutors accused Adani of orchestrating a scheme to pay over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts. The indictment has ignited political debates in India, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Modi government.
Adani Group’s Rebuttal
The Adani Group has dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” asserting that the US DOJ’s indictment does not name Gautam Adani or any senior group executives. The group has pledged to take “all possible legal recourse” to counter the claims.
Political Reactions in India
The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, has seized the opportunity to criticize the government, alleging favoritism and protection of corporate allies. Gandhi questioned the lack of immediate legal action against Adani, contrasting it with the swift arrests of common citizens for minor offenses.
Broader Implications
The indictment has also prompted Indian banks to review their exposure to the Adani Group, further intensifying scrutiny over the conglomerate’s financial practices.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources. SEO Keywords: Gautam Adani, Adani bribery allegations, US DOJ indictment, Adani Group rebuttal, Congress vs Modi government, solar contracts bribery.
