Massive Epstein Files Release Sparks Debate in India Over Mentions of PM Modi and Minister Puri

PAHARI BARUAH

The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday unveiled over 3.5 million pages of documents, including more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, as part of its compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in November 2025. The release, drawn from investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has ignited global scrutiny, with references to prominent figures including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri fueling political controversy back home.

The documents stem from multiple probes, including Epstein’s cases in Florida and New York, Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial, and FBI inquiries into Epstein’s 2019 death in custody. While the Justice Department emphasized that much of the material includes unverified tips and sensational claims-some explicitly flagged as false-the sheer volume has prompted renewed questions about Epstein’s vast network of influence.

Indian Connections Emerge Amid Denials

One email from 2017, purportedly from Epstein, references Modi’s historic visit to Israel that year, stating: “The Indian Prime minister modi took advice and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president.” The mention, which does not allege any wrongdoing, appears in the context of Epstein offering unsolicited advice on Middle East diplomacy.

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India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly dismissed it as “little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that beyond the factual record of Modi’s July 2017 state visit-the first by an Indian prime minister to Israel-the allusions hold no merit.

The opposition Congress party seized on the reference, demanding transparency from Modi. Congress leader Pawan Khera called it a “national shame,” questioning the implications of any association with Epstein and urging the prime minister to address what advice was allegedly sought and its ties to U.S. interests. Other Congress figures, including Supriya Shrinate, echoed calls for clarification, labeling the matter “serious” and “absolutely shocking.”

Hardeep Singh Puri’s name appears more extensively, with emails spanning 2014 to 2017 detailing business discussions and networking. At the time, Puri was a former diplomat and think-tank executive before joining the BJP and Modi’s cabinet. The correspondence includes scheduling meetings at Epstein’s New York residence and efforts to connect Puri with Silicon Valley investors for opportunities in India’s digital economy. Puri has stated that the interactions were professional, focused on promoting “Digital India,” and unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities. Initially, the BJP downplayed it as “random name-dropping,” but the emails suggest a greater familiarity than previously acknowledged.

Indian billionaire Anil Ambani is also mentioned in exchanges with Epstein regarding India-Israel relations and Modi’s U.S. visits, though no impropriety is implied. Epstein’s calendars further note attempts to broker a 2019 meeting between Modi and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.

Trump’s Ties and Broader U.S. Fallout

President Trump, a longtime acquaintance of Epstein before their fallout, features in thousands of references-ranging from shared news articles to unverified allegations submitted to the FBI. The Justice Department explicitly noted that some claims against Trump, particularly those timed before the 2020 election, were “unfounded and false.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer, affirmed during a press conference that no protections were afforded to Trump in the redactions, and the files contain no evidence of criminal misconduct by him.

The release, delayed beyond the act’s 30-day deadline, has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accused the administration of withholding up to 50% of records. Other notable mentions include Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), with emails revealing Epstein’s attempts to leverage connections for influence.

Ripples in Indian Politics

In India, the disclosures have amplified partisan divides. The BJP has framed the mentions as baseless smears from a discredited source, while Congress has used them to question the government’s judgment and transparency. Analysts suggest the impact may be limited domestically, given Epstein’s obscurity among the Indian public and the lack of substantive allegations. However, it arrives amid broader political tensions, including debates over foreign influence and Modi’s international diplomacy.

Victim advocates have praised the transparency but criticized incomplete redactions that risk exposing survivors. As reviews of the vast trove continue, the files underscore Epstein’s web of elite associations, though they have yet to yield new prosecutions or definitive revelations.

To access the full letter the Justice Department sent to Congress today, visit:

https://www.justice.gov/letter-to-congress.pdf

To access all files produced, visit: https://www.justice.gov/epstein

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