US Congressman Questions Biden Administration on Gautam Adani Probe: “What if India Refuses?

US Congressman Questions Biden Administration on Gautam Adani Probe: “What if India Refuses?

The Joe Biden administration’s probe of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has drawn harsh criticism from Republican senator Lance Gooden, who claims that it might jeopardize important ties, especially with India. Gooden expressed worries about the investigation’s possible effects on US-India ties and the wider economic ramifications in a letter to US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. In his January 7 letter, Gooden raised concerns about the possibility of strained ties with one of America’s closest friends in the Asia-Pacific area and asked what the US would do if India rejected an extradition request. The impact of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) “selective actions” on foreign partnerships and the US economy was questioned by him.

“The DOJ should concentrate on domestic issues instead of pursuing cases with tenuous jurisdiction and limited relevance to US interests,” Gooden said, highlighting the potential harm to US economic development from the inquiry into foreign corporations. Targeting foreign corporations that make significant investments in the United States, like Adani Group, which has done so and generated thousands of American jobs, would have long-term detrimental implications, the five-term congressman emphasized. Such inquiries, according to Gooden, would deter other worthwhile investors from sending money to the US.

He went on to say, “By focusing on entities contributing to our economic growth, we risk discouraging investors who would otherwise help revitalise America’s industrial base.” He also pointed out that it may jeopardise former President Trump’s pledge to encourage investments in the US economy. Gooden also chastised the DOJ for funding investigations abroad with public dollars, especially when the alleged activities of Adani’s organization include Indian politicians and businesses that have no obvious link to US interests. “Even if the accusations against Adani were validated, they would only concern bribes paid to Indian government officials in India, and they would not directly affect the United States,” he said.

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In exchange for favorable solar power contracts, US investigators accuse Gautam Adani of orchestrating a scheme to bribe Indian officials with $265 million, or around ₹2,200 crore. By calling these charges “baseless,” the Adani Group has refuted them and reiterated that it conforms with all relevant laws. The rising worry that such inquiries might damage foreign ties, deter foreign investment, and eventually hurt the US economy is highlighted in Gooden’s letter.