Adani Bribery Case: MEA says US did not inform India of indictment, calls it ‘private legal matter’

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified on Friday that the Indian government had not been informed in advance by the United States about the recent criminal indictment of Gautam Adani and others from the Adani Group. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the case as a legal issue between private individuals and entities and the US Department of Justice, emphasising that the government is not involved in the matter at this stage.

Speaking at the weekly MEA briefing, Jaiswal said, “This is a matter that pertains to private individuals and private entities. The government of India is not part of it legally in any manner at this point in time. We see it as a case between the US Department of Justice and private individuals and entities.”

No Summons or Arrest Warrant Requests Received

Jaiswal further noted that the government had not received any requests to serve summons or arrest warrants related to the indictment. He assured that any such requests, if received, would be examined on their merits, in line with established procedures and legal frameworks.

“Obviously, there are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases which we believe would be followed. We have not been informed in advance on the issue,” he added.

Allegations Against Gautam Adani

The US Department of Justice has accused Gautam Adani and others of bribing Indian officials to secure solar energy contracts and subsequently misleading investors in the United States about their activities. The indictment, which was recently unsealed, raises serious allegations involving financial misconduct and corruption.

India’s Legal Position

The MEA’s position underscores that the matter remains a private legal dispute at this juncture, involving no direct governmental role. However, the case has garnered significant international attention, given Adani’s prominence as a major Indian industrialist and the potential ramifications for global business relations.

Observers are watching closely to see how the legal process unfolds in the United States and whether it impacts India’s regulatory landscape or relations with the Adani Group. For now, the Indian government has maintained that it is a matter between private entities and the US authorities.