New Delhi: The Indian government has revised its power export guidelines, enabling Adani Power to reroute electricity intended for Bangladesh to the Indian grid. This policy change is perceived by some as favoring the Adani Group amid Bangladesh’s political turmoil.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the modifications to the 2018 guidelines allow power companies facing non-scheduling or delayed payments from foreign buyers to sell their electricity domestically. Specifically, this adjustment aids Adani Power, which manages a 1600-megawatt plant in Jharkhand’s Godda district, designed to supply power solely to Bangladesh.
The alteration has sparked debate over the motives behind the government’s decision, particularly in relation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ties with the Adani Group. The contractual terms between Adani Power and the Bangladesh government have been contentious, criticized for the high costs imposed on Dhaka. Political figures in Bangladesh have described the deal as disproportionately favorable to India, suggesting political motivations behind its structuring.
The timing of the original agreement, signed shortly after Modi’s 2015 visit to Bangladesh, and subsequent governmental actions have fueled allegations of crony capitalism, with Indian opposition leaders querying Modi’s role in facilitating the deal amid the regional instability.