New Delhi: Erik Solheim, a Norwegian diplomat and former Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, has criticized a recent US government report targeting the Adani Group, labeling it as a case of “American overreach.” In a statement that has drawn global attention, Solheim questioned the legitimacy and impact of such actions, asking, “When will American overreach stop?”
The US report alleges that individuals linked to the Adani Group discussed offering bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India. However, Solheim highlighted the absence of concrete evidence showing that bribes were paid or that top executives, including Gautam and Sagar Adani, were involved. He argued that such actions by the US undermine India’s efforts to expand its green energy sector and create unnecessary disruptions for one of the nation’s major economic contributors.
“When will this overreach end? The global media has been flooded with stories about the indictment against the Adani Group brought by an American prosecutor,” Solheim wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Imagine if an Indian court accused leading American business figures of crimes supposedly committed in the US—would that be acceptable? Would the American media deem it appropriate?”
He further emphasized that the allegations do not implicate senior Adani leadership or provide proof of bribes being paid by the company’s executives to Indian officials. The charges, he said, hinge solely on claims that bribes were discussed or promised.
Solheim, who also served as Norway’s environment minister, warned of the real-world implications of such actions, suggesting they distract the Adani Group from focusing on its renewable energy projects. “Instead of building solar and wind power plants, the company is being forced to expend resources on legal battles. It’s time to end this overreach,” he remarked.
Separately, senior lawyer and former Indian MP Mahesh Jethmalani dismissed the US report, calling it politically driven and unsubstantial. He accused the “Democratic deep state” in the US of using its judiciary to create instability in India.
“The charges lack evidence of bribery or wrongdoing in India and do not implicate top executives of the Adani Group. This is pure political posturing,” Jethmalani said.
The Adani Group has also rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless. In a statement, the company clarified that neither its directors nor its listed entities were accused of wrongdoing. The report, it stated, is based on unproven claims of bribes being discussed, with no evidence of any payments being made.
