Republican Congressman Lance Gooden has criticized the Biden administration’s investigation into Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, warning it could jeopardize crucial ties between the United States and India, a key ally in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a letter dated January 7 to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Gooden raised concerns about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) “selective actions” against foreign entities, questioning their potential impact on U.S. alliances, economic growth, and any connections to financier George Soros.
“What will the U.S. do if India refuses an extradition request?” Gooden questioned, cautioning against pursuing cases with “tenuous jurisdiction and limited relevance” to American interests. He urged the DOJ to prioritize domestic issues over politically motivated investigations abroad.
The Congressman emphasized that targeting entities like the Adani Group, which invests billions of dollars and creates jobs for Americans, could harm the U.S. economy. “An unwelcome and politically charged atmosphere for investors will stall efforts to revitalize America’s industrial base and economic growth,” he added.
Gooden also criticized the use of taxpayer funds for lengthy investigations into foreign matters, stating that such cases, even if proven, would lack direct relevance to the U.S. “The allegations in the Adani case, even if true, involve Indian executives, Indian government officials, and transactions within India—none of which injure any American party,” he wrote.
The DOJ has accused Gautam Adani of allegedly offering $265 million (₹2,200 crore) in bribes to Indian state officials to secure favorable solar power contracts. The Adani Group has dismissed the charges as “baseless,” asserting its adherence to all legal frameworks.
Gooden’s comments underscore growing concerns about the Biden administration’s foreign policy approach and its potential to disrupt strategic partnerships like the U.S.-India alliance.
