Rahul Gandhi Alleges Modi's US Trade Deal Aimed at Securing Adani's Release in Bribery Case

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of signing a trade deal with the US primarily to secure the release of billionaire businessman Gautam Adani. Gandhi claimed the deal was not a fair trade agreement but a bargain to help Adani avoid legal trouble. He made these remarks after reports emerged that the US government agreed to settle a lawsuit accusing Adani of hiding a bribery scheme.

The lawsuit, filed in late 2024 by the Securities and Exchange Commission, alleged that Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani paid around $265 million in bribes to Indian officials between 2020 and 2024. These bribes were reportedly meant to secure profitable solar energy contracts expected to yield $2 billion over 20 years. The Adani Group denied all allegations.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticized the Prime Minister, stating it was now clear why Modi accepted what he called a "hopelessly one-sided" trade deal. Ramesh further questioned why Modi halted Operation Sindoor in May 2025, suggesting it was due to pressure from President Trump rather than national interest. He claimed the Trump Administration is likely to drop all corruption charges against Adani.

Ramesh asked how much more compromised the Prime Minister could become. The Adani Group had previously denied the allegations, maintaining that their business practices followed proper anti-bribery policies. The case involved claims that the group raised $2 billion in loans and bonds from US firms based on false statements about their compliance with anti-corruption rules.