Forbes, a leading American publication, has criticised the US Department of Justice's (DoJ) indictment of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. This move has been described as a strategic mistake with far-reaching and severe geopolitical consequences.

In the 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 allegations of bribery and financial misrepresentation, "risks damaging India-US relations at a time when Washington is actively seeking stronger alliances to counter China’s rising influence".

The article also emphasised that India is a key strategic partner for the West, particularly in projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a significant infrastructure endeavour to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

By taking action against Gautam Adani, the US Department of Justice has inadvertently damaged economic cooperation and trust with India at a crucial time. This move may drive India closer to Russia and China, ultimately weakening the US's global influence and allowing its rivals to gain ground, Forbes warns.

The article also suggested that the indictment is a prime example of the West overstepping its bounds, where the US is using its laws to exert control beyond its borders, ultimately jeopardising crucial international relationships.

The more significant issue at hand is that while the US and Europe take actions that weaken their own allies, their rivals continue to progress— whether in economic, military, or technological spheres. As the author pointedly remarks, "They must be laughing in Beijing."

Fundamentally, the DoJ’s move against Adani is not merely a legal matter but a diplomatic misstep that could alienate India at a time when its cooperation with the West is essential for maintaining global stability, the article states.