ISLAMABAD: The recent unsealing of documents related to the late financierand convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has ignited significantcontroversy in India, particularly due to an email that references PrimeMinister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic activities in 2017. This developmenthas prompted swift denials from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs,which characterized the allusions as unfounded speculations from adiscredited individual. The email, dated July 6, 2017, suggests aconnection between Modi’s meetings with United States President DonaldTrump and his subsequent visit to Israel, implying some form of advisoryinfluence that purportedly yielded positive outcomes.
Research into the released Epstein files reveals that the email in questionwas addressed to an individual identified as “Jabor Y.,” believed to be ahigh-ranking Qatari official. In this correspondence, Epstein listedseveral points advising on regional geopolitical strategies, with pointnumber eight stating: “The Indian Prime minister modi took advice anddanced and sang in israel for the benefit of the US president. They had meta few weeks ago. IT WORKED!” This phrasing has been interpreted by some asindicating that Modi received counsel, possibly from Epstein himself,leading to actions during his Israel trip that benefited American interests.
Chronological examination of Modi’s international engagements in 2017corroborates certain factual elements mentioned in the email. On June 25and 26, Modi met with President Trump in Washington, D.C., marking theirfirst in-person interaction since Trump’s inauguration. Discussions focusedon strengthening bilateral ties, counterterrorism efforts, and economiccooperation. Merely a week later, from July 4 to 6, Modi embarked on ahistoric visit to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister, where heengaged in high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,signed multiple agreements, and participated in cultural exchanges thatincluded symbolic gestures of camaraderie.
However, the Indian government’s response emphasizes that while the visitsoccurred as stated, any insinuation of external advice from Epstein lackssubstantiation. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswalasserted that beyond the official record of the Israel trip, the email’scontent represents “little more than trashy ruminations by a convictedcriminal,” warranting outright dismissal. This stance underscores theabsence of evidence linking Modi directly to Epstein, portraying thereference as speculative gossip rather than verifiable fact.
Opposition parties in India, notably the Indian National Congress, haveseized upon the email to question Modi’s associations. Congress leadershave publicly demanded explanations regarding the nature of any purportedadvice and its implications for national dignity. They argue that thetiming—Epstein’s message sent just days after Modi’s Israel visit—suggestsa deeper connection, potentially involving human trafficking networksassociated with Epstein. Such allegations aim to challenge Modi’sinternational reputation and domestic standing amid ongoing politicalrivalries.
Analysis of Epstein’s broader correspondence within the released filesindicates his attempts to insert himself into global diplomatic circles.Epstein, who faced charges of sex trafficking before his death in 2019,frequently name-dropped prominent figures to enhance his influence.References to India appear in multiple documents, including Epstein’sinterest in facilitating meetings with Indian business tycoons like AnilAmbani and political strategists such as Steve Bannon, highlighting hisambitions in U.S.-India relations but without concrete proof ofinteractions with Modi.
International media coverage of this episode has been cautious, noting theambiguity in Epstein’s wording. The phrase “took advice” does not specifythe source, potentially referring to counsel from Trump during their Junemeeting rather than from Epstein. Reports from credible outlets emphasizethat no U.S. authorities have authenticated any direct communicationbetween Modi and Epstein, framing the email as part of Epstein’s pattern ofunsubstantiated boasts to impress associates.
The broader context of Epstein’s files release by the U.S. Department ofJustice involves thousands of records, including emails, call logs, andphotographs, stemming from civil lawsuits against his estate. This latestbatch, disclosed on January 30, 2026, continues to unravel Epstein’snetwork, which implicated figures from politics, business, andentertainment. For India, this incident revives discussions on transparencyin diplomatic dealings and the vulnerability of public figures toposthumous smears from controversial individuals.
Legal experts contend that without corroborating evidence, such ascommunication records or witness testimonies, the email holds minimalevidentiary value. Epstein’s conviction for sex offenses in 2008 andsubsequent allegations further erode the credibility of his statements.Indian officials have reiterated that Modi’s foreign policy decisions,including the Israel visit, were driven by national interests, such asenhancing defense cooperation and technology transfers, rather thanexternal manipulations.
In conclusion, while the Epstein email has fueled speculative debates,comprehensive research affirms the Indian government’s position that itmerits no serious consideration. This episode highlights the challenges ofnavigating posthumously released documents in an era of rapid informationdissemination, urging discernment between fact and fabrication in mattersof international repute.
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trashy-ruminations-of-a-convicted-criminal-mea-rubbishes-reference-to-pm-modis-2017-israel-visit-in-epstein-email/article70575034.ece
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