US Congressmen Urge New Attorney General to Intervene Against Adani’s Indictment: What You Need to Know

Six U.S. Congressmen have expressed concern to the new Attorney General, Pamela Bedi, about the Justice Department’s recent actions, particularly regarding an indictment against the Adani Group. They argue that this move could harm the U.S. relationship with India, a vital ally.

The Adani Group faces serious allegations of attempting to bribe Indian officials to secure favorable solar power contracts, a scheme involving over $250 million. Prosecutors claim that these actions were hidden from U.S. banks and investors who funded the project. U.S. law does allow for the prosecution of foreign corruption if there’s a connection to American interests.

The Adani Group has denied these allegations. In their letter, the Congressmen pointed out that the DOJ’s approach seemed selective and could hurt long-standing partnerships. They highlighted that India has been a close ally of the U.S. for decades, sharing deep political, economic, and cultural ties.

The letter emphasized that pursuing this case could complicate U.S.-India relations. The Congressmen questioned why the DOJ would seek charges against a company whose executives and the alleged bribery activities are all based in India. They suggested that the case should be handled by Indian authorities instead.

They warned that this pursuit could damage U.S. interests and deter investors, ultimately having a negative impact on the American economy. The letter also recalled that previous efforts to strengthen U.S.-India relations were crucial during Trump’s presidency, especially in light of growing geopolitical threats.

The Congressmen believe that politically charged decisions could undermine years of diplomatic progress. They called for an investigation into the DOJ’s actions and requested access to related records to understand the motivations behind these decisions better. They stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with India to counter challenges, including those from rivals like China.