Lance Gooden, a Republican congressman from Texas and a member of Donald Trump’s party, has criticized the Biden Administration’s investigation into senior officials of the Adani Group, warning that it could harm the relationship between the US and India and potentially affect economic growth. In a letter to US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Gooden argued that the Department of Justice (DoJ) should focus on domestic issues rather than targeting foreign businesses, particularly in cases with limited relevance to US interests. He emphasized that such actions could damage crucial global alliances, particularly with India, one of the US’s strongest allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Gooden’s letter, dated January 7, pointed out that while the US faces significant issues like violent crime and economic espionage, the DOJ appears to be investigating businesses that contribute to economic growth, like the Adani Group. The congressman questioned the timing of these actions, suggesting they could be politically motivated as the Biden administration ends and Donald Trump, a member of the Republican Party, prepares for his inauguration.
The DOJ indicted Adani Group officials in November, accusing them of defrauding US investors and being involved in a bribery scheme related to Indian government contracts. However, the Adani Group has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them misleading and based on selective information. Gooden argued that even if the allegations were true, the US should not be the final authority since the bribes were allegedly paid to Indian officials in India.
Gooden also questioned why the DOJ has not indicted any Americans in connection with the case, considering its alleged links to the US. He raised concerns that pursuing this case could strain US-India relations and damage India’s growth narrative. India, as one of the fastest-growing economies and a key US ally, could be adversely affected by such actions, he warned.
In his letter, Gooden included a series of questions for the DOJ, asking why it had not taken action against American executives involved in similar cases of bribery and money laundering. He also questioned the DOJ’s plan if India refuses to cooperate with any potential extradition request, asking if this could lead to a diplomatic dispute between the US and India.
The letter also follows criticism from other international figures, including Erik Solheim, a former Norwegian minister, who called the DOJ’s actions against the Adani Group an overreach. Breon Peace, the US Attorney responsible for the charges, is expected to step down on January 10.
Gooden’s concerns reflect broader criticism of the DOJ’s focus on foreign entities while domestic issues remain pressing, particularly in the context of US-India relations and the upcoming political shift as Donald Trump’s party prepares for a return to power.
Stay informed with our financial updates, stocks, bonds, commodities. Get global & political insights. Follow us & enable notifications for the latest updates.
