ISLAMABAD: Fresh revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files have thrustIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi into the centre of a major politicalscandal, with opposition claims suggesting the convicted sex offenderprovided strategic counsel that directly shaped Modi’s high-profile 2017visit to Israel. The alleged email exchange portrays Epstein boasting thatModi acted on his guidance, leading to a performance that ostensiblyadvanced American interests under then-President Donald Trump.
The controversy stems from a July 2017 email in which Epstein reportedlyclaimed Modi took his advice to travel to Israel, where he allegedly dancedand sang to benefit the US President. Congress party leaders interpret thisas evidence of direct consultation between the Indian leader and thedisgraced financier, raising serious questions about the origins of foreignpolicy decisions and potential undisclosed influences on India’s diplomaticengagements.
According to the opposition narrative, the timeline aligns suspiciously:Modi met Trump in Washington on June 25-26, 2017, then visited Israel fromJuly 4-6, and Epstein’s email followed just days later. This sequence, theyargue, implies Modi may have received Epstein’s counsel during or shortlyafter the US trip, prompting the subsequent actions in Israel that Epsteindescribed as successfully fulfilling an objective.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera publicly condemned the reference as anational disgrace, demanding Modi explain the nature of any interactionwith Epstein and the precise advice received. The party insists the email’slanguage—explicitly stating Modi followed Epstein’s guidance and achievedthe intended result—cannot be dismissed lightly given the gravity ofEpstein’s criminal record involving sex trafficking and exploitation.
The Ministry of External Affairs has responded with unequivocal rejection,labelling the email content as worthless fabrications from a convictedcriminal. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Modi’s Israel visitremains the only verifiable fact in the document, while all otherassertions represent baseless and contemptible speculation unworthy ofofficial attention.
Diplomatic records confirm the 2017 Israel trip focused on defencecooperation, technology transfers, and agricultural partnerships, marking ahistoric first for an Indian prime minister. The visit occurred amidstrengthening India-US-Israel strategic alignment, particularly incounterterrorism and regional security, though no credible evidence linksthese developments to Epstein’s involvement.
Analysts observe that Epstein frequently exaggerated his influence overglobal leaders in correspondence, a pattern consistent across the releasedfiles. Such self-aggrandizing claims often lack substantiation and appeardesigned to enhance his perceived stature among powerful contacts ratherthan reflect actual advisory roles.
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The episode highlights the risks of politically motivated interpretationsof unverified documents. While the opposition leverages the mention tochallenge Modi’s credibility, government sources maintain the referenceconstitutes no more than the delusions of a discredited figure with noproven connection to the Prime Minister.
Public and media scrutiny continues as the files fuel debate overtransparency in high-level diplomacy. The absence of any documented meetingor communication between Modi and Epstein underscores the speculativenature of the allegations, yet the sensational framing ensures sustainedattention across Indian political discourse.
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
External Affairs
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