India’s Law Ministry: No U.S. Request for Assistance in Adani Investigation

India’s Ministry of Law and Justice has officially stated that no formal request has been received from U.S. authorities regarding the Adani Group investigation. This announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Indian conglomerate following bribery and securities fraud allegations made by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The statement from the Law Ministry clarifies India’s position amid speculation that the U.S. had sought assistance in legal proceedings involving Gautam Adani and senior executives of the Adani Group. Reports suggesting that the U.S. was trying to serve legal documents to Adani officials in India had raised questions about India’s role in the matter.

Background: U.S. Investigation into Adani Group

1. November 2024 Indictment: The U.S. DOJ indicted Gautam Adani and senior Adani Group executives on charges of bribery and securities fraud.
2. Bribery Allegations: The Adani Group allegedly paid approximately $265 million in bribes to Indian officials between 2020 and 2024 to secure solar energy contracts.
3. Securities Fraud Accusations: The U.S. SEC has accused the Adani Group of misleading U.S. investors about its corporate governance and anti-corruption measures.
4. Legal Action in the U.S.: The SEC has filed a civil complaint and is seeking to serve legal notices to Adani executives in India under the Hague Service Convention.

The U.S. government’s legal actions have triggered a diplomatic and political debate, with Indian officials maintaining that the case remains a matter between private entities and the U.S. judiciary.

U.S. SEC’s Legal Moves and India’s Response

1. SEC’s Request for Legal Assistance:
   
   • In February 2025, the U.S. SEC requested India’s assistance in delivering its legal complaint to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
   • The SEC cited international legal protocols to serve notices to individuals residing outside U.S. jurisdiction.
2. India’s Official Stand:
   
   • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) previously stated that the Indian government had not been approached by U.S. authorities regarding the Adani case.
   • Law Ministry officials reiterated this stance, saying, “We have received no official request from the U.S. for assistance in this matter.”
3. Government’s Position on the Allegations:
   
   • The Indian government has clarified that it will not intervene unless formally requested through diplomatic or legal channels.
   • The MEA spokesperson emphasized that this remains a legal dispute involving private firms, and India will not comment on foreign legal proceedings.

Adani Group’s Response to the Allegations

The Adani Group has strongly denied all accusations, calling them “false and baseless”.

1. Company’s Official Statement:
   
   • The conglomerate stated that it operates with full transparency and follows all regulatory and compliance norms.
   • Adani officials claim that the bribery allegations are part of an orchestrated campaign to damage the group’s reputation.
2. Impact on Business Operations:
   
   • The allegations have had a mixed impact on Adani Group’s stock performance.
   • Some international investors have paused partnerships pending further clarity on the case.

Political Implications in India

The controversy has fueled political debates in India:

1. Opposition Accusations:
   
   • Political opponents have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of favoritism towards the Adani Group.
   • The Congress party and other opposition leaders have demanded a parliamentary investigation into Adani’s business dealings.
2. Government’s Counterargument:
   
   • The Indian government maintains that there is no basis for political intervention.
   • Officials have reiterated that the U.S. case is unrelated to any Indian government transactions.

Global and Market Impact of the Allegations

1. Stock Market Volatility:
   
   • Adani Group’s stocks initially fell after the U.S. indictment news broke.
   • However, shares partially recovered after the group denied the allegations.
2. International Business Concerns:
   
   • TotalEnergies, a major partner of the Adani Group, paused a planned investment pending legal clarity.
   • Foreign investors have expressed concern over Adani’s regulatory compliance in global markets.
3. Possible Legal Consequences:
   
   • If the U.S. DOJ proceeds with its case, Adani Group executives could face severe penalties in the U.S.
   • However, extradition of Gautam Adani is considered unlikely, as India does not typically extradite its citizens for financial crimes.

Legal Experts’ Analysis: What Happens Next?

1. Can the U.S. SEC Legally Pursue Adani Executives in India?
   
   • Legal experts suggest that India is not obligated to comply with the SEC’s request unless formalized through diplomatic channels.
   • The Hague Service Convention does allow for cross-border legal notices, but India retains the right to reject politically sensitive cases.
2. Possible Outcomes:
   
   • If the SEC cannot serve legal notices, it may proceed with default judgments against Adani executives.
   • The case could also impact Adani’s future expansion in U.S. markets.

Moving Ahead: India’s Official Position Remains Unchanged

Despite global media speculation, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice remains firm in its statement:

• No request for assistance has been received from the U.S. government regarding the Adani Group investigation.
• The Indian government has distanced itself from the legal battle, emphasizing that this is a corporate legal matter between private entities and U.S. authorities.
• Meanwhile, the Adani Group continues to defend itself, and legal proceedings in the U.S. will move forward regardless of India’s position.

By – Nikita