The recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents have brought several prominent Indian figures into public scrutiny, though it’s crucial to note that being mentioned in these files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing. No Indian nationals have been charged with crimes related to Epstein’s trafficking network, and the connections appear largely centered on business and diplomatic networking rather than his illegal activities.
Billionaire Anil Ambani’s Communications with Epstein
Among the most prominent Indian names is Anil Ambani, chairman of the Reliance Group. Documents show that Ambani had direct communications with Epstein, particularly around Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic activities in 2017. In March of that year, Ambani sent a message to Epstein stating that “Leadership” wanted assistance connecting with senior Trump administration officials Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon regarding Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States. These exchanges suggest Epstein was seen as someone with access to powerful American political circles.
Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s Past Meetings
Current Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also appears in the files. Between 2014 and 2017, Puri had email exchanges with Epstein and met him at least three times in Manhattan. At the time, Puri was not serving in government but was working at a think-tank in New York. The communications involved facilitating LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman’s visit to India and discussing potential investment opportunities. These interactions reflect Epstein’s pattern of networking with influential figures across business and policy circles.
Other Indian Figures Named
Spiritual wellness author Deepak Chopra appears in several emails within the documents, with some exchanges drawing public criticism for their casual and flippant tone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name also surfaces repeatedly, though not through direct communication with Epstein. Instead, Modi appears in strategic planning contexts and discussions among Epstein’s contacts. In one instance following Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel, Epstein wrote that Modi “took advice and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president,” suggesting Epstein closely followed Modi’s diplomatic activities.
Understanding the “Black Book” and What It Actually Contains
Much confusion surrounds what’s called Epstein’s “black book.” This was actually a 97-page address book containing names, phone numbers, and contacts that a former employee took in 2005. According to investigative journalists who examined it, the book included everyone from celebrities and politicians to Epstein’s gardeners and electricians, making it more of a comprehensive contact directory than any sort of client list. The U.S. Department of Justice clarified in July 2025 that no client list exists within the Epstein files, and investigators found no credible evidence that Epstein used compromising material to blackmail his associates.
India’s Official Response
The Indian government has strongly rejected any suggestion of impropriety. India’s External Affairs Ministry dismissed references to Prime Minister Modi in the documents as “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal” that deserve “utmost contempt.” This response reflects the government’s position that any mention in Epstein’s records carries no legitimacy or significance regarding India’s leadership.
How Many Indians Are Actually Involved?
Based on the available documents that have been analyzed so far, approximately three to four prominent Indian individuals are named with documented communications or meetings. However, determining an exact total is challenging since the Epstein files contain millions of pages still being examined by researchers and journalists. The individuals mentioned had connections primarily related to geopolitical networking, business opportunities, and diplomatic facilitation during a period when Epstein maintained extensive contacts across elite circles worldwide. Their presence in these documents reflects Epstein’s broad network rather than any established involvement in his criminal enterprise.