India dismisses Epstein claims involving PM Modi as baseless

The Indian government has rejected claims made in newly released emails from the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling them baseless assertions that deserve no credibility.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs said the references in the emails to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s foreign policy were “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal,” and should be dismissed with “utmost contempt”.

The emails were among millions of pages released by the United States government on Friday as part of disclosures connected to its investigation into Epstein’s influence networks.

According to a report published by The Hindu, several of the messages refer to India, Modi, and senior figures in US politics, including President Donald Trump.

In one email, Epstein claimed Trump had played a role in influencing Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017, suggesting the trip had followed advice linked to US interests.

The Indian government firmly rejected the claim, stressing that the visit was an official diplomatic engagement reflecting India’s independent foreign policy decisions.

The disclosures have prompted sharp political reactions, with opposition parties demanding explanations from the government and describing the allegations as damaging to the country’s image.

OPPOSITION SEEKS EXPLANATION

Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghosh termed the contents of the emails “shocking and shameful” and called on the government to provide clarity rather than dismiss the matter outright.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also sought explanations regarding two emails dated May 24, 2019 -- the day Modi was sworn in for his second term -- in which Epstein claimed he would facilitate contact between the Indian prime minister and Republican strategist Steve Bannon.

According to the emails, Epstein told industrialist Anil Ambani that Modi “might enjoy” meeting Bannon.

In a separate message to Bannon, Epstein claimed to have had a “really interesting” meeting connected to Modi, without specifying whom he had met.

He also described China as India’s principal adversary and Pakistan as Beijing’s proxy, adding the remark: “Mr Modi on board”.

Ambani’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

ISRAEL VISIT CLAIM REJECTED

One of the most contentious messages is dated Jul 6, 2017, the final day of Modi’s visit to Israel -- the first by an Indian prime minister.

In that email, Epstein claimed the visit had “worked” because Modi had followed advice linked to the US president.

The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the assertion, reiterating that apart from the fact of the official visit itself, the rest of the claims were unfounded.

The timing of the disclosures is considered sensitive, as the prime minister is expected to make another visit to Israel later this month.

EARLIER CORRESPONDENCE

The released files also include a 2014 email sent by Hardeep Singh Puri, then a retired diplomat, to Epstein, outlining why engagement with India would be important following Modi’s election.

Puri later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is now a Union minister.

Previous Epstein-related disclosures in November 2025 had already revealed correspondence between Puri and Epstein, which BJP leaders dismissed at the time as exaggeration and self-promotion.

Responding to opposition criticism, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress party of selectively editing the emails to falsely suggest that Modi had taken advice from Epstein.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the repeated references to Modi in the latest disclosures raised unresolved questions, noting that the government had been compelled to respond.