The US Department of Justice’s indictment of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been described as a strategic misstep with significant geopolitical ramifications, according to Forbes.
In an article titled ‘The US Harms The West’s Alliances With A Far-Flung Indictment In India,’ author Melik Kaylan argued that the charges, which include bribery and financial misrepresentation, threaten to harm India-US relations at a time when the US is actively seeking stronger alliances to counter China’s growing influence.
The article emphasised India’s importance as a key partner for the West, particularly in projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
However, the DoJ’s actions risk undermining economic cooperation and trust at a crucial time, potentially pushing India closer to Russia and China. In this way, the US inadvertently weakens its own geopolitical stance while allowing its rivals to expand their influence, according to Forbes.
The piece also criticised this as an example of Western overreach, where US legal actions disrupt vital global partnerships. The broader concern is that while the US and Europe undermine their allies, adversaries like China continue to progress economically, militarily, and technologically. As the author notes, “They must be laughing in Beijing.”
Ultimately, the DoJ’s indictment of Adani is seen not just as a legal move but as a diplomatic blunder, one that could alienate India at a time when its alignment with the West is critical for global stability.