In a sharp attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Modi’s inability to stand up to US President Donald Trump is due to a a US investigation into his close ally, business tycoon Gautam Adani.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged, “The reason PM Modi cannot stand up to President Trump despite his repeated threats is the ongoing US investigation into Adani. One threat is to expose the financial links between Modi, AA, and Russian oil deals,” adding, “Modi’s hands are tied.”
The Indian National Congress (INC) leader’s remarks refer to a US investigation into alleged bribes paid by Adani to secure government contracts. In addition to the US probe, the Adani Group and its 13 offshore investors are under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) following Hindenburg Research’s 2023 allegations of improper use of tax havens. The Adani Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Gandhi’s comments about Russian oil deals are made in the context of New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, which has become a point of contention between India and the US. President Trump, who is dissatisfied with India’s dealings with Russia, has threatened to significantly increase tariffs on Indian goods from the current 25%. “They’re fuelling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy,” Trump stated recently.
