India's Banks: Reevaluating Adani Group Exposure Post US Charges

The recent U.S. charges against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his associates have sparked a review among Indian banks, as they assess their exposure to the conglomerate. With a significant portion of the group's debt sourced from domestic banks, this reassessment could have far-reaching implications for both the banking sector and the broader economy.

Adani Group's debt picture shows that 36% of its total borrowing is sourced from domestic Indian banks and financial institutions. This exposure, coupled with the group's high-profile involvement in critical sectors like ports, power, and infrastructure, has drawn the scrutiny of lenders following the U.S. indictment.

The review process will likely focus on key financial indicators, such as the group's debt-to-EBITDA ratio, cash flow stability, and its ability to raise capital. Indian banks will also consider the potential reputational risks and the outcome of the U.S. charges. The conglomerate's financial health and governance structures will be under close examination.

As banks tighten their due diligence and scrutiny, the review process may lead to a more risk-averse lending environment. This could impact other conglomerates seeking loans, as lenders may increase their scrutiny of potential borrowers' financials and governance structures. Slower lending growth and higher borrowing costs may be a result, potentially affecting corporate expansion plans and project financing.

The Adani Group's ability to raise capital and finance its ongoing and future projects may also be influenced by this review. If banks pause lending or increase scrutiny, the conglomerate may face higher borrowing costs or reduced access to credit. However, with diverse revenue streams and stable cash flows, Adani may be able to weather this storm.


The potential impact on Indian banks' provisioning requirements and overall financial health is a concern. As of March 31, 2024, domestic banks and financial institutions had lent ₹75,877 crore in long term debt to the group. A sustained decline in Adani Group's valuation could lead to increased loan loss provisions, straining banks' capital adequacy ratios and potentially impacting their profitability.

The Adani Group crisis, if it escalates, could have contagion effects on other Indian banks and the broader economy. With the conglomerate's debt of $241 billion, a default could lead to large-scale losses for banks, triggering a credit crunch. Given Adani's presence in critical sectors, a prolonged crisis could impact economic growth, FDI inflows, and investor confidence.

To mitigate risks and protect their balance sheets, Indian banks should diversify their loan portfolios, strengthen risk management practices, and maintain adequate capital buffers. Enhanced due diligence, stress testing, and improved disclosure requirements can also help the banking sector navigate potential crises and enhance its resilience.