Six US Congressmen have called on the newly appointed Attorney General of the United States, Pamela Bedi, to review the recent indictment against the Adani Group. They argue that the decision by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to pursue charges against the Indian conglomerate could harm relations with India, a crucial ally of the United States.
On February 10, Lance Gooden, Pat Fallon, Mike Haridopolos, Brandon Gill, William R Timmons, and Brian Babin sent a joint letter to Attorney General Bedi, urging her to reconsider the case against the Adani Group. The Congressmen criticized what they referred to as “questionable” actions by the DoJ under the Biden administration, especially regarding the alleged bribery scheme involving the Adani Group.
The US prosecutors have charged the company’s executives for allegedly paying over USD 250 million (approximately Rs 2,100 crore) in bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favorable solar power contracts. These actions were said to have been hidden from US banks and investors who financed the project. However, the Adani Group has denied all allegations.
Lack Of Clear US Interests And The Risk To Diplomatic Relations
The Congressmen emphasized that the case has no compelling connection to US interests. They criticized the DoJ’s decision to move forward with the indictment, despite the fact that the alleged bribery occurred in India and involved Indian officials.
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Furthermore, the letter warned that pursuing such a case could jeopardize the decades-long partnership between the United States and India. The two countries have built a strong relationship that spans politics, economics, and cultural exchange. The Congressmen stated that proceeding with the indictment risks damaging the partnership, especially at a time when strengthening US-India ties is crucial for countering growing challenges from China.
The Indictment As A Political Risk
The letter also expressed concern about the political motivations behind the indictment. The Congressmen argued that the case may stem from a politically driven agenda, influenced by left-wing donors. They warned that such actions could erode the diplomatic progress made under previous administrations, including President Trump’s efforts to prioritize strong relations with India.
“Decisions like these could undermine years of work by both nations to foster a strategic geopolitical partnership,” the Congressmen wrote. They also pointed out that a deterioration in US-India relations could play into the hands of adversaries like China, which seeks to challenge US economic and military dominance through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Call For Investigation Into DOJ’s Actions
In light of the potential risks to US interests and international relations, the Congressmen called for a thorough investigation into the DoJ’s conduct in this case. They requested that Attorney General Bedi provide all records related to the indictment, so they could understand the decision-making process behind the charges.
“Knowing the real considerations guiding this decision will help determine whether the previous administration was compromised by external entities over the past four years,” the letter concluded, urging for full transparency in the matter.
The letter highlights concerns over the long-term impact on US-India relations and calls for a more balanced approach to foreign corruption cases that could affect America’s strategic partnerships.
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