India has rejected a mention of Prime Minister Modi in recently released investigative Epstein files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The government described the reference as “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal” that deserve “the utmost contempt.”
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong statement on Saturday, January 31, after an email from the Epstein files surfaced that referenced the PM official visit to Israel in July 2017.
Why India dismiss Epstein files?
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that aside from the factual detail of PM Modi’s state visit to Israel, the other claims in the email were unfounded.
The email, dated July 9, 2017, allegedly showed Epstein stating that the Indian Prime Minister had “taken advice” and performed in Israel for the advantage of the US President. This visit was notable as it marked the first time an Indian PM gone to Israel since diplomatic ties began in 1992.
How will US React to this?
The issue gained attention after the US Justice Department released more than 3.5 million pages of documents, along with over 2,000 videos and about 180,000 images, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act enacted on November 19, 2025.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release followed a thorough review required by the new transparency law signed by President Donald Trump.
Epstein, a disgraced financier, died in a New York jail in August 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges.
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