Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday clarified that he did not discuss the bribery charges against billionaire Gautam Adani during his meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Trump, PM Modi emphasized India’s democratic values and cultural ethos. “Firstly, India is a democratic country, and our culture and thought philosophy is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means the entire world is a family,” he said.
PM Modi further stated that the allegations against Adani were a “personal matter” and not a subject for discussion between two world leaders. “When it comes to such personal matters, two leaders of two countries will not get together on the topic and discuss anything on an individual matter,” he remarked.
President Trump did not mention the case during the press briefing.
US Bribery Charges Against Adani
US prosecutors have accused Adani, Asia’s second-richest man, of allegedly facilitating bribes exceeding $250 million to Indian officials and defrauding US investors. A five-count indictment unsealed on November 20 claims that Adani played a role in a scheme to “corruptly offer, authorize, and promise to pay” significant bribes to Indian government officials. The Adani Group has denied all allegations.
To bring Adani before a US court, prosecutors may have to seek his extradition. However, legal proceedings have remained quiet in the months since the charges were filed.
Adani’s US Influence Operation
Meanwhile, sources suggest that Adani has been building a political influence network in the US, working with top-tier law firms and lobbyists to manage his legal battles while expanding business operations. Reports indicate that his team has been leveraging political relationships in both the US and India, with efforts to reach out to officials ahead of Modi’s meeting with Trump.