Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being unable to confront US President Donald Trump’s tariff warnings due to an ongoing American investigation into billionaire Gautam Adani, a longtime Modi ally. In a social media post, Gandhi alleged that Trump’s threats could expose financial ties between Modi, Adani, and controversial Russian oil deals.
“The reason PM Modi cannot stand up to President Trump is the US investigation into Adani. One threat is to expose their financial links and Russian oil dealings,” Gandhi stated, adding, “Modi’s hands are tied.” His remarks reference a US probe into alleged bribes paid by Adani Group to secure contracts, alongside an ongoing SEBI investigation into the conglomerate’s offshore investors following the 2023 Hindenburg report on suspected tax evasion.
Geopolitical Tensions & Economic Fallout
The accusations come amid escalating US-India tensions over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, which Trump has condemned as “fuelling [Moscow’s] war machine.” The former president has threatened to raise tariffs on Indian goods beyond the current 25%, potentially destabilizing trade relations. Analysts suggest Gandhi’s focus on the Adani-Modi nexus aims to highlight perceived conflicts of interest influencing India’s foreign policy.
Adani’s Controversial Rise & Media Clampdown
Adani, whose empire spans ports, coal, media, and airports, saw his wealth skyrocket alongside Modi’s political ascent. Critics allege crony capitalism, citing Adani’s hostile takeover of critical broadcaster NDTV and his loan of private jets to Modi during the 2014 election campaign. While Adani dismisses press freedom concerns, his remark that journalists should “have the courage to praise the government when right” has raised alarms about shrinking media independence. With probes looming and Trump’s trade war threats escalating, the political and economic stakes for India have never been higher.