Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a high profile press conference in the United States was asked about allegations of bribery against billionaire businessman Gautam Adani. A journalist also enquired whether this matter was discussed during PM Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Replying to the question PM Modi refuted the idea that individual business matters are included in discussions between two world leaders. Highlighting India’s democratic values and unity, he mentioned, “India is a democracy, and our culture is based on ‘’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’-the idea that the world is one family. I believe that every Indian is mine. Two important leaders of two nations do not get involved in discussion related to individual cases.”

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The allegations against Adani come from charges that have been filed by the US Department of Justice in 2024 under President Joe Biden’s administration.  According to charges, Adani has been engaged in a scheme to pay more than $250 million around RS 2,100 crore in bribes to Indian officials for acquiring favourable conditions for solar power contracts. The investigation blamed these transactions were kept hidden from the US banks and investors from whom the Adani Group has raised billions of dollars, as reported by Reuters.

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However, the situation took a major turn after Donald Trump returned to power as the 47th President of the United States. Soon after his inauguration, the Department of Justice was directed through a newly issued executive order to hold the enforcement of a long-standing law that has been used to enquire cases like this which involved Adani. The decision has raised questions about the future of the case and its repercussions on US-India business ties.

(With inputs from Reuters)