Shares of India's Adani Group companies plunged after its billionaire chair Gautam Adani was indicted in a New York federal court. The 62-year-old billionaire and the other defendants are accused of paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts that could generate more than $2 billion in profits.

The warrant against Adani was issued after an indictment. What is an indictment in the US legal system and what does it mean for Adani and his alleged conspirators? We explain.