‘Must be laughing in Beijing’: US indictment against Gautam Adani strategic blunder, says report

The charges, centred on allegations of corruption and financial irregularities, “risks damaging India-US relations at a time when Washington is actively seeking stronger alliances to counter China’s rising influence,” according to the publication’s article “The US harms the west’s alliances with a far-flung indictment in India”.
Forbes emphasised India’s crucial role as a Western ally, particularly in projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an ambitious infrastructure initiative designed as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In the year 2023, India, United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and European Union agreed to create the IMEC to boost global trade and serve as a counter to BRI.
According to Forbes, the Department of Justice’s move against Adani extends beyond legal proceedings, representing a diplomatic error that could potentially alienate India when its Western alignment is essential for global equilibrium.
It’s actions also compromised economic partnerships, subsequently weakening America’s global strategic position whilst potentially strengthening its competitors’ influence.
The article concludes by stating that the indictment was, “an example of the West shooting itself in the foot while its rivals power on leaving the US and Europe behind economically, militarily, technologically and in every crucial measure.”
“They must be laughing in Beijing,” it added.
Earlier last year on November 20, 2024, US prosecutors charged Gautam Adani and several executives from his conglomerate, the Adani Group, with orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme aimed at securing contracts for solar power projects in India.
The DoJ indicted Adani, along with his nephew, Sagar Adani, and several associates. They are accused of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme to secure lucrative green energy contracts in India.
The charges include securities and wire fraud, alleging the Adani Group lied to US investors about its anti-bribery practices while engaging in widespread corruption. In a strongly worded statement, the conglomerate rejected the allegations.
“The charges made by the US Department of Justice and SEC against directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied,” the group said, promising to fight the case vigorously.