India unaware of US legal action against Adani Group, MEA says: "Government not informed in advance"

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it has not been informed about the ongoing legal actions involving the Adani Group and the US Department of Justice (DOJ). In a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that the matter is strictly between private entities and US authorities, emphasizing that the Indian government has not received any prior communication regarding the case. "We have not received any request on this case from the US side," Jaiswal said, reiterating that the government is not involved in the legal proceedings at this time.

The legal action by the US authorities includes an indictment filed by the DOJ and a civil complaint by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The DOJ indictment contains five counts, which involve allegations related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), conspiracy to violate the FCPA, and obstruction of justice. These charges are based on claims that certain individuals within the Adani Group were involved in discussing potential bribes, although no actual evidence of bribes being paid to government officials has been presented in the indictment.

The charges specifically name several individuals connected to the Adani Group, including Chairman Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and senior executive Vneet Jaain. However, the Adani Group has made it clear that none of these individuals have been charged with violations related to bribery, corruption, or other similar offenses. The group stressed that Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain are not named in any counts related to bribery in the DOJ's indictment or the SEC's civil complaint. The charges in the indictment refer to conspiracies to discuss bribery, but they do not allege that the bribes were actually paid or that any government officials received bribes.

The DOJ’s indictment, which contains five counts, includes allegations of conspiracy to violate the FCPA and conspiracy to obstruct justice. However, the Adani Group clarified that the three individuals named are not mentioned in relation to these charges. The indictment also does not provide evidence suggesting that any bribes were paid to Indian government officials, nor does it state that Indian officials were involved in any illicit activities related to the Adani Group. The charges primarily focus on actions within the Adani Group and alleged discussions of improper payments, but the indictment does not confirm that any violations were carried out.

The Indian government, as confirmed by the MEA, has not received any request for mutual legal assistance or any other form of official communication regarding the case from US authorities. Jaiswal further clarified that requests from foreign governments for assistance, such as the service of summons or arrest warrants, are handled through established legal processes. The Indian government is not a part of the legal proceedings and will only be involved if a formal request for assistance is made.

The Adani Group has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with US authorities in the ongoing investigation. The company reiterated that it is not involved in any corrupt practices and that it adheres to all applicable laws, including those related to anti-corruption. The group also underscored that it has not been found guilty of any violations of the FCPA or other related statutes. The legal proceedings are still underway in the US, with the Adani Group continuing to deny all allegations and defending its practices.