Washington, DC, February 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that he did not discuss the US bribery charges against billionaire Gautam Adani during his meeting with President Donald Trump.
Focus on Bilateral Ties, Not Individual Cases
At a press briefing at the White House, Modi was asked whether he raised the indictment of Adani and his associates in a New York court over an alleged bribery scheme. He responded by emphasizing India’s values and approach.
“India is a democratic country, and our philosophy is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—we consider the world as one family. I believe every Indian is mine,” Modi said. He further stated that world leaders do not discuss “individual issues” during high-level meetings.
“Two prominent leaders of two countries never discuss such individual matters,” he added.
Trump did not mention the case during the press conference.
Background on US Charges Against Adani
Last year, the US Department of Justice, under then-President Joe Biden, charged Adani with allegedly being part of a scheme to pay over $250 million (₹2,100 crore) in bribes to Indian officials. Prosecutors claimed the payments secured favorable terms for solar power contracts and were hidden from US banks and investors.
The charges were brought under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which allows US authorities to investigate foreign corruption cases linked to American markets or investors.
The Adani Group has denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
