Adani camp engages Trump officials in bid to dismiss bribery charges

Representatives of businessman Gautam Adani have engaged with Trump administration officials to seek the dismissal of criminal charges related to an overseas bribery investigation, according to a news report by Bloomberg.

Initial discussions reportedly began earlier this year and have gathered pace in recent weeks, with the possibility of a resolution emerging in the near term. Adani’s representatives are said to be arguing that the prosecution is inconsistent with President Donald Trump’s policy approach and should be reconsidered.

Neither the Adani Group nor the relevant US government departments have issued public statements on the matter.

On the day the developments came to light, Adani Group’s listed firms saw gains on the Bombay Stock Exchange, with flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd surging over 6 per cent, marking its sharpest intraday rise since mid-January.

The criminal charges, which surfaced shortly after Trump’s election win in November, allege that Adani and his nephew promised $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure solar power contracts. The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing. The civil arm of the case, led by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), claims that the billionaire misled lenders by falsely asserting compliance with anti-bribery regulations.

To fight the charges, Adani has assembled a legal and lobbying team in the US. Among those representing his interests are well-known lawyers and firms with connections to the Trump administration.

Bloomberg said meetings have reportedly been held with officials at the US attorney’s office in Brooklyn and the Department of Justice. In parallel, Adani’s allies have also sought guidance from Indian government officials on managing the situation diplomatically.

Adani’s legal representatives are believed to be exploring all avenues to defuse the criminal matter, which — if successful — could significantly reduce the stakes for Adani’s international business operations. The SEC, however, is continuing with its civil proceedings and has sought assistance from Indian authorities to serve legal documents.

The Trump administration has previously signalled a shift in approach to foreign bribery prosecutions, with several high-profile cases either paused or dropped. An executive order issued earlier this year instructed the attorney-general to temporarily halt enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) pending revised guidelines.

Despite Adani’s vast wealth, his direct business footprint in the US is limited. However, in a gesture shortly before the charges emerged, he publicly pledged $10 billion in investments and the creation of 15,000 jobs in the US. Some lawmakers have since expressed support for his case, calling for an inquiry into the basis of the charges filed.

The outcome of these efforts could serve as a key test of how political and legal interests intersect in high-stakes global business cases.