Power Play: Adani Courts Trump Officials to Dismiss Bribery Case

Image Source: Fortune India

In a twist of events, officials representing Indian billionaire Gautam Adani have initiated a high-level lobbying campaign, meeting with officials from the administration of President Donald Trump in an attempt to have serious US bribery charges dropped. The initiative comes as Adani and his businesses are accused of orchestrating a $265 million bribery plot to win high-paying solar energy contracts in India, a case that has sent shockwaves in financial markets and diplomatic circles.

Key Highlights

Adani’s team has held confidential talks with Trump administration officials since early 2025, intensifying efforts in recent weeks to argue that the prosecution does not align with Trump’s policy priorities and could harm US-India relations.

The US charges, filed last November, accuse Adani Group and its executives of bribing Indian officials and concealing these actions from American investors-violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

In a major policy switch, President Trump recently ordered a review and temporary hold on FCPA enforcement, instructing the Justice Department to put new cases on hold and review ongoing investigations. The hold has sparked optimism in the Adani camp of a positive resolution.

The fate of these negotiations could be determined within a month, having the potential to change the legal framework for Adani and influence US-India business relations.

Reports of the executive order and lobbying activity sent Adani Group shares surging, indicating investor hopes of a possible settlement.

The case continues to be politically charged, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining comment on the matter during his recent US trip, as opposition leaders in India charge the government is covering up for Adani.

Sources: Bloomberg News, Reuters, Hindustan Times