US prosecutors are intensifying their examination of India’s Adani Group, focusing on potential bribery allegations and the conduct of its billionaire founder, Gautam Adani.
Allegations and Responses
The investigation, led by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Justice Department’s fraud unit, revolves around suspicions of bribery in an Indian energy project. Adani Group refutes any knowledge of an investigation against its chairman and asserts compliance with anti-corruption laws.
In a statement, the group emphasized adherence to governance standards and anti-corruption laws in India and abroad. Despite allegations from Hindenburg Research, which Adani Group refuted, the US government continues to engage with the conglomerate, aiming to counter China’s influence through strategic partnerships.
Geopolitical Implications
The investigation comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, positioning Adani Group as a potential ally against China. Despite the advanced stage of the probe, no charges have been filed against Gautam Adani, his company, or Azure Power Global Ltd.
As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the complex dynamics between global economic players and geopolitical interests, with Adani Group emerging as a significant player in the Indo-Pacific region.