Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed questions regarding the bribery allegations against Indian businessman Gautam Adani and whether any discussions had taken place on this matter during his meeting with US President Donald Trump. His response offered a strong defence of India's democratic values and a firm stance on the issue.

When asked about the charges against Adani, PM Modi first emphasised the democratic principles that India holds dear. "India is a democratic country, and our culture is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' We treat the world as a family, and I treat every Indian as one of my own," said Modi.

He further added that leaders of two nations, such as India and the United States, do not engage in discussions about personal business matters. "Leaders of two countries neither meet nor discuss such matters," Modi stated.

What are the bribery charges against Adani?

Last year, under President Joe Biden's administration, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Adani for allegedly being part of a scheme to pay over USD 250 million (about Rs 2,100 crore) in bribes to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms on solar power contracts.

The prosecutors claimed this was concealed from the US banks and investors from whom the Adani Group raised billions of dollars for the project. They cited the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which allows the investigation of foreign corruption if there are certain links to American investors or markets.

However, when Donald Trump assumed office, he signed an executive order pausing the enforcement of the FCPA, which had been used to investigate the Adani Group. Trump's directive instructed the Attorney General to review policies governing FCPA investigations, temporarily halting new enforcement actions unless deemed necessary.