Adani Group: A top Republican lawmaker is pushing back against the Biden administration’s decision to investigate Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s business dealings. The lawmaker argues that selectively targeting foreign companies and individuals can harm the US’s relationships with important allies, like India.

Congressman Lance Gooden, in his letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, posed several pointed questions. He asked, “What will the US do if India refuses to comply with an extradition request.” Gooden asked why the Justice Department is targeting foreign companies and individuals, and how this might hurt America’s relationships and economy.

“The Department of Justice’s selective actions risk damaging critical alliances with key partners like India, one of America’s strongest allies in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Gooden in his letter.

This Congressman believes that the Justice Department should prioritize punishing wrongdoers in the US rather than pursuing questionable cases abroad. He further said that targeting entities that invest many billion dollars and create thousands of jobs for American people only harms the US in the future.

Gooden said that by ignoring serious issues like violent crime and economic growth, and instead targeting businesses that help the US economy grow, the country is discouraging new investors.

The lawmaker stated that the Biden administration’s decision to investigate Adani is actually a tactic to disrupt President Trump’s incoming administration, given the timing of the decision.

Gooden said that the Justice Department should focus on helping Americans instead of spending resources on investigations abroad that may be politically motivated. “As a cog in the outgoing administration, it is your duty to the public in being mindful of not creating further complications that could compromise America’s geopolitical eminence,” said Gooden.

What Else For Adani Group?

“I am writing to inquire about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent selective pursuits of cases against foreign entities that could irreparably strain America’s global alliances,” Gooden said in his letter.

“As our country enters a new period under President Trump, Americans are hopeful it will mark the revival of prosperity, growth, economic recovery, and political freedom. An important factor in our quest to revive our country’s prosperity includes the ability and freedom of prospective investors to do business in America,” he wrote.

“Were there no Americans involved in this alleged scheme? Why has the DOJ pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal act, and the parties allegedly involved are in India? Do you seek to enforce justice in India?” questioned Gooden.

Recently, US prosecutors have accused Gautam Adani and other Adani Group executives of giving bribery to secure favorable solar power contracts. However, Adani Group denied the allegations, calling them “baseless”.

(With Agency Inputs.)

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