JSW, alongside other major industrial players, has expressed strong interest in expanding its operations in Odisha following Tata Group’s announcement of a mega investment. This interest is seen as a commitment to regional industrial growth and job creation.

Activists, community members, and BankTrack have lodged formal complaints against JSW’s Utkal steel and coal project in Odisha. The allegations claim that the project facilitated the forced transfer of over 2,600 acres of predominantly forest land without free, prior and informed consent, contributed to police crackdowns and the criminalisation of peaceful protestors, and exacerbated environmental pollution.

On May 2, 2025, a human rights complaint was filed by the Anti-Jindal & Anti-POSCO Movement alleging that JSW Steel's JSW Utkal steel and coal project has led to forcible land acquisition from Indigenous communities, destruction of livelihoods, and the criminalization of dissent, resulting in widespread human rights violations.

JSW Group, through its subsidiary JSW Defence Pvt Ltd, has announced a strategic partnership with US-based Shield AI to indigenize and manufacture the V-BAT unmanned aerial system for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in India, with a $90 million investment in the defense sector.

JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the JSW Group, announced a strategic collaboration with US-based Shield AI to manufacture the V-BAT unmanned aerial system in India. The partnership involves an investment of approximately $90 million over the next two years to establish a manufacturing facility, bolster local supply chains, and enhance defence capabilities through advanced ISR technology.

JSW Group, through its defence arm JSW Defence Pvt Ltd, has entered into a multi-year partnership with US-based Shield AI to indigenise and manufacture the V-BAT, a Group 3 unmanned aerial system, aimed at boosting India's military drone capabilities.

JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the JSW Group, and US-based Shield AI announced a strategic partnership on November 12, 2024 to indigenize the production of the V-BAT unmanned aerial system in India. The collaboration involves a $90 million investment over two years to establish a global compliance program, manufacturing facility, and local supply chain, aimed at enhancing India's defense capabilities.

JSW Group announced a partnership with US defence tech firm Shield AI to manufacture its V-BAT unmanned aerial system and invest USD 90 million in the domestic defence sector, aiming to boost India’s defence capabilities.

The JSW Steel Integrated Report 2023-24 details the company’s commitment to high ethical standards, transparent governance, and robust human rights practices, including a 24/7 whistleblower policy, human rights risk assessments, and confidential grievance systems addressing discrimination and harassment. As of March 31, 2024, the Ethics Helpline resolved 75% of the cases, illustrating active internal oversight.

On December 15, 2023, JSW introduced its 'Policy on Protecting Human Rights', a comprehensive code of conduct that outlines measures to protect human rights within the company, its supply chains, and local communities. The policy commits to rigorous human rights risk assessments, anti-discrimination practices in hiring and operations, and transparent evaluation of suppliers and business partners.

The Financial Times reports that JSW Steel's shares fell by 2.76% amid corruption allegations. India's Central Bureau of Investigation has named the company's chairman and other executives in connection with the allegations, raising serious concerns over ethical business practices and transparency.

JSW's sustainability framework outlines a comprehensive Human Rights Due Diligence process covering labor rights, non-discrimination, environmental protections, data privacy, and robust grievance redressal. The initiative, aligned with UNDP and ICMM guidance, also emphasizes enhancing DEI and securing operational safety across its steel plants and mining locations.

JSW Cement has announced a robust human rights policy and an exhaustive Technical Standard for Human Rights Management at the group level. The policy includes proactive Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) gap assessments at key operating locations, stakeholder engagement with employees, contract workers and local communities, and alignment with UNGP and OECD guidelines. The initiative also underscores their commitment as a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact in 2023.

JSW Steel's website lists a range of corporate governance documents—including a whistleblower policy, code of conduct, insider trading fair practice code, and remuneration policy—demonstrating its commitment to ethical business practices and internal transparency.

JSW Group, part of Sajjan Jindal’s conglomerate, is forming a non-profit trust under Section 25 of the Companies Act to channel up to 7.5% of its net profit for political funding. While the initiative could improve transparency as mandated by new legislation, it also raises concerns about enhancing corporate influence over political processes.