Adani Ports, a core component of the Adani Group, is implicated in a $265 million bribery case linked to political influence, raising concerns over its ethical business practices and alleged manipulation of political processes. This event comes amid a significant overall decline in market capitalization of group companies, highlighting potential complicity in undermining democratic norms.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport project, a joint venture involving the Adani Group, has been accused of displacing local fishing communities, causing environmental destruction, and failing to secure free, prior, and informed consent from affected stakeholders. Reports include police violence during protests and widespread social unrest among local communities.

Congress accuses the Modi government of lobbying on behalf of Adani Ports for a controversial government-to-government port project in Sri Lanka, raising concerns of crony capitalism and complicity in authoritarian practices.

A recent policy change by the Modi government relaxed cabotage rules to benefit private port operators, notably the Adani Group's Mundra port, while disadvantaging public sector competitors. The move, which followed years of lobbying, has raised concerns over crony capitalism, regulatory capture, and potential job losses among Indian seafarers.

Adani's lobbying activities, undertaken through industry bodies such as ISMA, helped to push for safeguard duties that ultimately disrupted India's renewable energy plans and imposed significant cost burdens on the solar sector. These actions raise serious concerns about corporate manipulation of public policy and a disregard for broader social responsibility, contributing to an environment that favors authoritarian economic practices.