NEW DELHI: US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on Thursday pointed out the robust industrial ties between India and the United States, expressing optimism about continuing collaborations to enhance capacity-building efforts in the region.
Garcetti’s remarks came in response to questions about ongoing legal proceedings in the United States involving Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and other executives.
“No, I don’t have any comment on that. Obviously, we have an independent criminal justice system. It’s different than a lot of countries,” Garcetti said when asked about the case.
He highlighted the significant partnership between the US and Indian industrialists, specifying the broader importance of collaborative efforts. “Look, we have had amazing partners with the great industrialists here, with the big companies. We’ve sometimes been funding directly new factories, ports, and other things, and I would hope that the vision continues no matter what,” US envoy said.
He added, “We’re seeing a great new India being built and the capacity of Indian companies to operate outside of India. Whether it’s in the region, in places like Sri Lanka, or on the eastern coast of Africa, I would hope we keep our eye on the ball. That is the most important thing — who has the capacity, how can we partner, and ensure that debt traps and state-based, more autocratic visions are instead replaced by democratic-led industrialists from across both of our nations.”
US indictment raises concerns
The US indictment of Gautam Adani and others in an alleged bribery case has drawn questions from various quarters, including lawmakers.
US congressman Lance Gooden, in a letter to US attorney general Merrick Garland on January 7, questioned the timing of the indictment, suggesting it could disrupt President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to revive the American economy.
In the letter, Gooden posed five questions to the Department of Justice (DOJ), including, “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?”
The Congressman suggested that the charges could potentially strain relations with India, one of the United States’ most reliable partners.
Adani Group’s response
Earlier, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani had responded to the allegations in November, rejecting claims of wrongdoing.
“We faced a set of allegations from the US about compliance practices at Adani Green Energy. This is not the first time we have faced such challenges,” Adani said. “What I can tell you is that every attack makes us stronger, and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group. The fact is that despite a lot of the vested reporting, no one from the Adani side has been charged with any violation of the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) or any conspiracy to obstruct justice.”
