Rahul Gandhi Says Modi Silent on Trump Tariffs Due to Adani US Probe

US Probe into Adani Tangles Indian Politics and Trade

Everyone’s talking about Rahul Gandhi’s fresh charge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi—he claims Modi is silent in the face of US threats because of an ongoing Adani investigation in America. The timing? It couldn’t be more dramatic. Just as former President Donald Trump warns India about major tariff hikes over Russian oil deals, a swirl of controversy hits Indian politics back home.

Here’s the crux: Gandhi argues that PM Modi, usually quick to answer any international jab, has his hands tied. Why? There’s a federal indictment in New York accusing the Adani Group of paying nearly $265 million in bribes to government officials between 2020 and 2024. Big names like Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani are under scrutiny, though the group has flat-out denied all charges. Add to that a separate US Justice Department probe from June 2025 about alleged illegal petrochemical imports from Iran. Again, Adani’s team says these claims have no basis.

The fallout isn’t limited to courtrooms. Trump put India on notice, threatening a hefty 25% tariff on Indian goods unless India cuts back or stops buying Russian crude oil. He didn’t mince words, hinting that profits from reselling Russian oil were under the spotlight. Trump’s warning landed on the same timeline as the Adani probe headlines, which gives fuel to Gandhi’s theory of a link. He claims there’s a risk of financial links between Modi, Adani, and Russian oil deals being exposed if the US investigation moves forward—leaving Modi stuck and unable to push back.

Political Crossfire and the ‘Friendship’ Shuffle

Congress leaders haven’t missed the chance to highlight what they call Modi’s diplomatic stumbles. They’re poking fun at Modi’s touted friendship with Trump, especially after his previous claim that “MAGA + MIGA = MEGA” (referring to their supposed partnership). Now, with Trump’s tariffs looming and the Adani controversy front and center, that slogan sounds a bit hollow.

This mess exposes the tricky balance India has to strike on the world stage—juggle economic ties with Russia for cheap oil, keep up trade with the US, and handle domestic scandals involving some of the country's biggest tycoons. With the US election coming up and Washington taking a hard stance on anyone dealing with Russia, the heat is definitely on. If the allegations about Adani gain traction, the ripple effects could reach both New Delhi and Wall Street.

For now, the Adani group points to their denial of every claim, calling the cases baseless and politically motivated. Modi’s critics, though, see a leader boxed in by international pressure and high-profile investigations, unable to respond to Trump’s tough words without risking more trouble at home. If you’re watching the intersection of business, politics, and international drama, this story is one to follow closely.