Washington
The US Justice Department is reportedly investigating whether the Adani Group, led by Indian businessman Gautam Adani, facilitated the import of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through its Mundra port in Gujarat—potentially violating American sanctions on Iran. The probe, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, highlights unusual shipping patterns between the Persian Gulf and Mundra, commonly linked to sanctions evasion.
The Adani Group has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “baseless and mischievous.” In a statement, it said, “Adani categorically denies any deliberate engagement in sanctions evasion or trade involving Iranian-origin LPG. We are not aware of any investigation by US authorities.” The company added that the report appears to be based on “incorrect assumptions and speculation,” and warned that any contrary claims would be considered defamatory. It further asserted that it reserves all legal rights in the matter.
This development comes as former US President Donald Trump reintroduces stringent sanctions on Iran, warning that any individual or country trading in Iranian oil or petrochemicals will face secondary sanctions. Trump has adopted a hardline stance, aiming to halt Iran’s oil exports entirely and accusing Tehran of supporting militant groups.
Meanwhile, US enforcement around white-collar crimes, including sanctions evasion and foreign bribery, has reportedly been scaled back. Analysts suggest this policy shift might indirectly benefit companies facing legal scrutiny, including the Adani Group and firms like Azure Power previously linked to it in alleged bribery cases. The investigation could have broader implications for India-US business relations and corporate compliance globally.