Epstein Files Spark Political Storm in India
Freshly released files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have triggered political controversy in India. The issue surfaced after an email mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in documents published by the United States Department of Justice. The reference has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and an immediate denial from New Delhi.
According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, one of the emails attributed to Epstein mentions Modi’s 2017 state visit to Israel. The visit was historic, as it marked the first time an Indian prime minister traveled to Israel. The email claims Modi acted on advice given by Epstein during the visit. This claim has not been supported by any evidence.
The Indian government moved quickly to dismiss the allegation. Officials described the claims as baseless and misleading. The controversy has since intensified political debate, with opposition leaders demanding answers and accountability from the prime minister.
India Rejects Claims, Calls Email Unfounded
India’s Ministry of External Affairs firmly rejected any suggestion of a link between Modi and Epstein. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the only verifiable fact mentioned in the email was Modi’s official visit to Israel in July 2017. He stated that all other claims were fictional and lacked credibility.
The MEA described the email as the words of a convicted criminal. It emphasized that there was no evidence of any advisory role, meeting, or meaningful contact between Modi and Epstein. Officials stressed that the government would not respond to unsubstantiated claims.
New Delhi also urged the public and media to rely on verified facts. Authorities said the release of documents containing unverified references does not establish wrongdoing. The government maintained that Modi’s Israel visit followed official diplomatic channels and national interests.
Opposition Demands Answers, Calls Issue ‘National Shame’
Despite the government’s denial, India’s opposition seized on the reference. The Indian National Congress strongly criticized Prime Minister Modi. The party called the alleged mention a matter of “deep national shame.” Congress leaders said the issue affects India’s dignity and global image.
In a statement, Congress claimed that Epstein wrote the email three days after Modi’s Israel visit, which took place from July 4 to July 6, 2017. The party alleged that the email suggested Modi took advice before the trip. Congress also referenced Modi’s meeting with then US President Donald Trump in June 2017, prior to the Israel visit.
Opposition leaders argued that the timing raised serious questions. They demanded clarity on what advice, if any, Modi allegedly received. Congress said the prime minister must explain the meaning of the claims mentioned in the email.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He was previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting paid sex from a minor. The newly released files also mention several high-profile figures. These include President Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and British billionaire Richard Branson.
The documents have reignited global debate. Indian authorities continue to reject any implied connection. The political fallout, however, continues to grow.
