India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed media reports claiming that US prosecutors issued summons to Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and others in an alleged bribery case. The MEA clarified that no official request or communication regarding summons or arrests has been received from the US.
During a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “This is a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. There are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases which we believe would be followed. The Government of India was not informed in advance of the issue. We haven’t had any conversation also about this matter with the US government,” Jaiswal said.
The spokesperson emphasized that requests for mutual legal assistance are evaluated on merits, but no such request has been received regarding this case.
“Any request by a foreign government for the service of a summons/arrest warrant is part of mutual legal assistance. Such requests are examined on merits. We have not received any request on this case from the US side,” he added.
Adani Group Denies Allegations
The allegations surfaced following the unsealing of a five-count criminal indictment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The indictment allegedly linked prominent Indian executives, including Gautam Adani, to a bribery and fraud scheme.
On November 27, the Adani Group firmly refuted these claims. In its filing with the stock exchanges, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) termed the media reports as “incorrect.”
“Media articles which state that certain of our directors namely Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain have been charged with violation(s) of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment. Such statements are incorrect,” the company clarified.
The Adani Group further asserted that the indictment by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the civil complaint by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) did not name Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, or Vneet Jaain in any charges, including:
- Count One: “Conspiracy to Violate the FCPA”
- Count Five: “Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice”
The group reiterated its commitment to transparency and refuted any implication of involvement in the alleged bribery scheme.
Conclusion
The MEA and Adani Group’s firm denials have sought to address concerns stemming from media reports on the US indictment. The case remains under legal scrutiny, and any future developments are expected to follow established international protocols.