India's Gautam Adani: Asia's richest man in the eye of a storm

Mr. Adani is facing the most difficult battle of his career after a U.S. short seller questioned his business methods.

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Adani's business empire has expanded quickly in different sectors like ports, power generation, airports, mining, edible oils, renewable energy, and, more recently, media and cement.

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According to Forbes, he grew to become the world's third-richest individual, with a net worth of $127 billion.

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When asked if he was friends with Modi in a 2014 interview with Reuters, Adani responded he had friends across the political spectrum but avoids politics.

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His business manner has been described as "very hands on" by one person with detailed understanding of his business.

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"People got to know who Adani (was) because of constant targeting by Rahul ji during the 2014 elections and after that," Adani said in a TV show.

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On Wednesday, short seller Hindenburg Research accused Adani's businesses of inappropriate use of offshore tax havens and raised concerns about huge debt.

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Adani Group has repeatedly said its borrowings are manageable and no investor has raised any concern.

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