Epstein Files: Every Indian Name Exposed - The Complete List of India's Elite Connections
TL;DR: The Jeffrey Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice contain references to multiple prominent Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is mentioned in the infamous "Modi on board" email. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had at least 5 scheduled meetings with Epstein between 2014-2017. Billionaire Anil Ambani was in close contact with Epstein regarding connecting with Trump officials before Modi's US and Israel visits. Author Deepak Chopra had over a dozen documented interactions. Filmmaker Mira Nair attended a party at Ghislaine Maxwell's home. While none have been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, these connections raise questions about the extent of Epstein's reach into Indian power circles.
The release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act has sent shockwaves across the globe. While much attention has focused on American and European figures, the documents contain startling references to some of India's most powerful political figures, billionaires, and celebrities.
This comprehensive analysis breaks down every Indian connection found in the released documents, what the emails actually say, and what they mean for India's political establishment.
The Indian Names in Epstein's Files: Quick Reference
| Name | Position | Nature of Connection | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi | Prime Minister of India | "Modi on board" email; Epstein claimed credit for Israel visit | Emails to Steve Bannon, Qatari contacts |
| Hardeep Singh Puri | Union Minister (Petroleum) | 5+ scheduled meetings; extensive emails | Epstein calendars, email exchanges |
| Anil Ambani | Billionaire industrialist | Close contact; backchannel for US-India relations | Dozens of emails and text messages |
| Deepak Chopra | Author/Wellness Guru | 12+ documented meetings; email exchanges | House Oversight Committee emails |
| Mira Nair | Filmmaker | Attended 2009 party at Maxwell's home | Email describing guest list |
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The "Modi On Board" Email
What the Documents Show
The most politically explosive Indian connection comes in the form of emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon, Donald Trump's former chief strategist.
In an exchange regarding geopolitical strategy and potential meetings, Epstein wrote to Bannon:
"Modi on board."
This two-word phrase, found in documents released by the House Oversight Committee, suggests Epstein was positioning himself as an intermediary between the Trump administration and the Indian Prime Minister's office.
The Israel Visit Claim
Even more controversial is an email Epstein sent on July 6, 2017 - the day PM Modi's historic visit to Israel ended. Writing to a Qatari contact identified only as "Jabor Y." (reportedly close to the Qatari royal family), Epstein boasted:
"The Indian Prime Minister Modi took advice. and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president. They had met a few weeks ago. IT WORKED."
This email suggests Epstein was claiming credit for advising Modi to visit Israel - which was indeed the first visit by an Indian PM to Israel and marked a decisive shift in India's foreign policy.
The Government's Response
India's Ministry of External Affairs responded on January 31, 2026, dismissing the claims as:
"Trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt."
The MEA acknowledged PM Modi's July 2017 Israel visit as fact but rejected any suggestion that it was influenced by Epstein or external advice.
What This Means
Important context: There is no evidence that PM Modi ever met Epstein or had any direct contact with him. The emails show Epstein claiming to have influence or access - which could simply be self-aggrandizing behavior common among influence peddlers.
However, the fact that Epstein was in active communication with Trump's inner circle about Indian foreign policy, combined with his documented connections to other Indian power brokers (detailed below), suggests he was more plugged into India-US relations than previously known.
2. Hardeep Singh Puri: The Five Meetings
Background
Hardeep Singh Puri is currently India's Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. More importantly for this story, he was India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013, making him one of India's most prominent diplomats in New York during Epstein's heyday.
The Documented Meetings
According to documents released by the House Oversight Committee and the Department of Justice:
- Puri appears in Epstein's appointment calendars at least five times between June 2014 and January 2017
- The records show at least three confirmed meetings at Epstein's New York residence
- Email exchanges span nearly three years, from June 2014 to June 2017
The November 2014 Email
One particularly significant email, sent from Puri to Epstein in November 2014, detailed reasons why it would be important to engage with India after Modi's election. The email discussed opportunities in India's digital economy and potential investments.
Epstein's Networking Attempts
The documents reveal Epstein was actively trying to connect Puri with Silicon Valley investors and tech executives. In one exchange, Epstein:
- Linked Puri to the LinkedIn founder
- Discussed potential investment opportunities in India's internet economy
- Offered to facilitate business introductions
Puri's Response
When contacted by The Wire, Puri acknowledged meeting Epstein but characterized the encounters as limited and work-related:
"In eight years (in New York), 3 meetings. All those took place while I was at the International Peace Institute."
Puri stated he was not aware of Epstein's criminal background during the period of their meetings.
The BJP's Initial Dismissal
When the first batch of emails emerged in November 2025, BJP spokespersons called the claims "bogus" and "drunk bragging on Gmail." Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari pointed out that Epstein had misspelled Puri's name as "Hardeep Puree" in one email, suggesting casual name-dropping rather than genuine connection.
The newly released documents, however, paint a picture of more substantive engagement than initially admitted.
What This Means
The Puri connection is significant because:
- He was a diplomat at the UN during Epstein's meetings - This was before he entered politics
- He entered Modi's cabinet in September 2017 - Just months after the documented correspondence ended
- The emails suggest ongoing engagement - Not just casual name-dropping as initially claimed
While no wrongdoing has been alleged, the extent of documented contact raises questions about how thoroughly Indian political figures vetted their international connections.
3. Anil Ambani: The Backchannel
The Most Extensive Indian Connection
Of all the Indian figures in the Epstein files, Anil Ambani - the billionaire industrialist and younger brother of Mukesh Ambani - appears to have had the most extensive documented relationship with Epstein.
The "Leadership" Request
The most explosive revelation comes from a text message sent by Ambani to Epstein on March 16, 2017:
"Hello. Was in delhi. Leadership wld like ur help for me to meet jared and bannon asap. Pl advise. Likely visit to dc by pm in may to meet donald. Also assitance on that."
This message explicitly claims that "Leadership" in Delhi - interpreted to mean the Prime Minister's Office - wanted Epstein's help connecting Ambani to: - Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law and advisor) - Steve Bannon (Trump's chief strategist)
The purpose? To prepare the ground for PM Modi's visit to the US in June 2017.
Regular Contact
The documents show Ambani and Epstein were in regular contact between 2017 and 2019, discussing:
- Political developments in India and the US
- Business opportunities and investment strategies
- Potential appointments in the Trump administration
- Modi's diplomatic visits to the US and Israel
The Israel Connection
Before Modi's historic Israel visit, the documents show:
- Epstein emailed Ambani with Ehud Barak's contact information (Barak is a former Israeli PM with documented ties to Epstein)
- Epstein offered to set up meetings between Ambani and Barak
- Discussions about an "Israel strategy" for Modi's visit
This is significant because at the time, Ambani's company Reliance Defence Ltd had a joint venture with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd - a state-owned Israeli defense firm - valued at $10 billion over a decade.
The Rafale Connection
The documents gain added significance when viewed alongside Ambani's controversial involvement in the Rafale jet deal:
- Ambani won the offset contract during India's purchase of Rafale jets from France
- He was part of the business delegation accompanying PM Modi to Paris in April 2015
- The Epstein files show him maintaining high-level international connections through unconventional channels
Personal Financial Requests
Perhaps most revealing, when Ambani faced an insolvency ruling in 2019, he turned to Epstein for advice on how to raise a personal loan of $750 million in a "bankruptcy proof" arrangement.
No Response from Ambani
Anil Ambani's office has not responded to media requests for comment on the emails. The Hindu and other publications report they cannot independently verify whether the messages were indeed sent by Ambani.
What This Means
The Ambani connection is the most substantive documented link between Indian business-political circles and Epstein. If authentic, the messages suggest:
- Epstein was being used as a backchannel for India-US diplomatic preparations
- High-level figures in Delhi were aware of and potentially directing these contacts
- Business and diplomatic interests were intertwined in these communications
4. Deepak Chopra: The Spiritual Guru's Connection
Background
Deepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate who has sold over 20 million books and is considered one of the most prominent figures in the New Age wellness movement.
The Documented Exchanges
The House Oversight Committee released emails showing Epstein and Chopra in communication between 2016 and 2019:
- 12+ documented meetings between the two
- Email exchanges discussing Donald Trump
- One email where Chopra describes an evening with Epstein as "a blast. Ended 1 AM."
The Trump Conversation
In one notable exchange from July 2016:
- Chopra asked Epstein for information about Marla Maples (Trump's second wife)
- Chopra wrote: "Anything we share is between us. I share nothing with anyone but trust you."
- Epstein shared details about Trump, including a claim about a bet he lost when Maples got pregnant
In November 2016, Epstein sent Chopra a link about a woman who had filed (and later dropped) a civil lawsuit alleging Trump and Epstein had sexually assaulted her when she was 13.
Chopra's response: "Did she also drop the civil case against you?" Epstein replied: "YuP." Chopra's response: "Good."
Continued Contact After Conviction
Notably, Chopra's documented contact with Epstein continued years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. This has drawn criticism, as many prominent figures cut ties with Epstein following his conviction.
The AI Spiritual Advisor
In an ironic twist, just weeks after these emails became public, Chopra launched an AI companion to his entire body of work - charging $10/month for "spiritual guidance." Critics have noted the timing appears designed to change the narrative away from his Epstein connections.
What This Means
Unlike the political figures, Chopra's connection appears to be social rather than transactional. However, his continued contact with a convicted sex offender raises questions about his judgment and values.
5. Mira Nair: The Maxwell Party Guest
Background
Mira Nair is an acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker known for directing Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, and Salaam Bombay!. She is also the mother of Zohran Mamdani, who became New York City's first Indian-American mayor in January 2026.
The Documentary Evidence
According to newly released Epstein files, Mira Nair attended an afterparty at Ghislaine Maxwell's townhouse in 2009 following the premiere of her film Amelia.
An email from publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein described the event:
"Just left Ghislaine's townhouse... after party for film. Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos were there... Jean Pigozzi, director Mira Nair...etc."
The Guest List Context
The same party was attended by: - Former President Bill Clinton - Amazon founder Jeff Bezos - Investor Jean Pigozzi - Various Hollywood figures
Important Caveats
- This was a film industry event at Maxwell's home - a common practice in New York social circles
- There is no evidence of any direct contact between Nair and Epstein
- Many industry figures attended such events without knowing the true nature of Maxwell's activities
- No wrongdoing has been alleged
Political Implications
The revelation gained outsized attention because of Zohran Mamdani's recent election as NYC Mayor. Protests were reportedly held outside Mamdani's residence, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Mayor Mamdani has not publicly addressed his mother's mention in the files.
What This Means
The Mira Nair connection is the weakest of the Indian links - she was simply at a party that happened to be at Maxwell's home, alongside other celebrities. However, it demonstrates how Epstein and Maxwell cultivated proximity to cultural elites.
The Bigger Picture: Epstein's India Strategy
A Pattern of Engagement
Looking at all five connections together, a pattern emerges:
- Political access - Epstein actively cultivated connections to Indian political figures
- Business intermediary - He positioned himself as a connector between Indian industrialists and Western power centers
- Diplomatic backdoor - He was being used (or claiming to be used) as a backchannel for India-US-Israel relations
- Social proximity - He maintained connections to Indian cultural figures in New York
The 2017 Pivot
The most intense activity appears centered around 2017: - PM Modi's visit to the US (June 2017) - PM Modi's historic visit to Israel (July 2017) - India-US-Israel strategic realignment
Epstein appears to have been at least aware of - and possibly facilitating - some of these diplomatic moves.
Why India?
Several factors may explain Epstein's interest in India:
- Defense deals - Major arms purchases from Israel and the US
- Tech investments - India's booming digital economy
- Geopolitical positioning - India as a counter to China
- Business opportunities - Access to one of the world's fastest-growing markets
The Media Blackout in India
Mainstream Silence
One of the most striking aspects of this story is the relative silence of Indian mainstream media. While international outlets - from Drop Site News to The Wire to The Hindu - have extensively covered the Indian connections, major TV channels have largely ignored or downplayed the revelations.
The Reddit Question
A post on r/india titled "[Epstein Files] 'Modi On Board': Leaked Emails Link Indian PM and Union Minister to Jeffrey Epstein's Network. Why is Indian Media Silent?" gained significant traction, asking:
"Is this evidence that Epstein was running an intelligence/blackmail operation on world leaders, including the Indian PM?"
The Opposition Response
Congress and TMC leaders have demanded explanations:
- TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh called the emails "shocking and shameful"
- Congress spokespersons demanded PM Modi "come clean" on the disclosures
- Calls for parliamentary discussions have largely gone unheeded
The Government's Defense
The BJP's response has been consistent: - Dismiss Epstein's claims as "trashy ruminations" - Characterize any mentions as "name-dropping" - Question the authenticity and interpretation of documents
What We Still Don't Know
Outstanding Questions
-
Did PM Modi ever meet Epstein? - No evidence of direct contact, but claims of "advice" suggest some channel of communication
-
What was the nature of Puri's meetings? - He admits to 3 meetings; documents suggest 5+. What was discussed?
-
Did "Leadership" really request Epstein's help? - Ambani's texts claim high-level approval for the backchannel
-
Are there more Indians in unredacted files? - Millions of pages remain to be reviewed
-
What's in the videos? - Over 2,000 video files were released; Indian connections in these remain unexplored
The Legal Reality
No Criminal Allegations
It's crucial to note:
- No Indian named in the files has been accused of any crime
- Appearing in Epstein's contacts or emails is not evidence of wrongdoing
- Epstein was known for exaggerating his influence and connections
- Many of his claims may be self-aggrandizing fabrications
The Association Problem
However, continued association with a convicted sex offender - especially post-2008 - raises legitimate questions about: - Judgment and vetting of international contacts - The nature of elite power networks - Whether Epstein's access gave him genuine influence
What Happens Next
More Releases Expected
The Department of Justice has released over 6 million pages so far, but more are expected. The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires ongoing disclosure of non-classified materials.
Indian Parliamentary Response
Opposition parties are likely to continue demanding: - Clarification from named individuals - Parliamentary debate on the revelations - Investigation into any potential security breaches
International Scrutiny
As India prepares for PM Modi's second visit to Israel (expected late February 2026), the timing of these revelations adds to the diplomatic complexity.
Conclusion: Uncomfortable Questions for India's Elite
The Epstein files present uncomfortable reading for India's political and business establishment. While no crimes have been alleged, the documents reveal that:
- Epstein had more access to Indian power circles than previously known
- High-profile Indians maintained contact with him after his 2008 conviction
- He was being used - or claimed to be used - as a diplomatic backchannel
- Indian mainstream media has largely avoided deep investigation
Whether these connections represent genuine influence or Epstein's characteristic exaggeration remains unclear. What's certain is that the conversation about how India's elite navigate international power networks is only beginning.
How to Stay Informed
The Epstein files are a rapidly developing story with new revelations emerging weekly. To stay informed:
- Follow international investigative outlets (Drop Site News, The Wire, The Hindu)
- Cross-reference claims with multiple sources
- Be wary of partisan interpretations on both sides
- Demand transparency from named individuals
This article will be updated as more documents are released and analyzed.
Sources: - US Department of Justice Epstein Files (January 2026) - House Oversight Committee releases (November-December 2025) - Drop Site News investigations - The Hindu, The Wire, and other Indian publications - Official government statements from MEA and BJP
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