Highlights:
- The Epstein Files refer to unsealed court documents, emails, flight logs, and depositions linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Recent releases of the Epstein Files have brought renewed scrutiny to global political, business, and cultural figures.
- Seven Indian personalities were referenced in emails or social contexts within the Epstein Files disclosures.
- None of the individuals named face criminal charges related to Epstein’s trafficking crimes.
- Legal experts stress that being mentioned in the Epstein Files does not imply wrongdoing.
- References involving Indian figures are described as professional, diplomatic, or social in nature.
- Indian officials have dismissed certain references as “trashy ruminations” with zero criminal implications
Fresh disclosures from the Epstein Files have triggered international attention, with several Indian personalities referenced in emails, court filings, and related records. The Epstein Files consist of thousands of pages of court documents, unsealed records, flight logs, depositions, and email exchanges tied to financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking of minors and died in jail in 2019. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted for recruiting and grooming underage girls.
The renewed media focus on the Epstein Files follows phased public releases of previously sealed court documents through court orders, lawsuits, and Freedom of Information Act requests. Each new batch of the Epstein Files generates scrutiny because Epstein maintained contact with political leaders, business executives, academics, and public figures across multiple countries.
Legal experts have consistently stated that appearing in the Epstein Files does not automatically indicate criminal wrongdoing. Many individuals are referenced in email chains, calendar entries, invitations, or third-party discussions without evidence of involvement in illegal activity. Importantly, none of the Indian personalities listed below face criminal charges related to Epstein’s trafficking crimes.
1. Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, has not been directly named in the Epstein Files as having personal contact with Jeffrey Epstein.
According to cited reporting, Modi’s name appeared indirectly in emails exchanged between Epstein and Anil Ambani between 2017 and 2019. The correspondence allegedly discussed logistical matters surrounding Modi’s visits to the United States and Israel. There is no evidence that Modi was aware of or participated in communication with Epstein.
As reported, Indian officials and the BJP dismissed the references as “trashy ruminations” with zero criminal implications.
2. Anil Ambani
Anil Ambani, chairman of the Reliance Group, is referenced in reported emails dated 2017 to 2019 that form part of broader disclosures linked to the Epstein Files.
The emails allegedly include discussions between Ambani and Epstein concerning U.S.-India diplomacy and logistical issues surrounding official visits. Reports indicate that Epstein may have viewed Ambani as a potential intermediary in diplomatic discussions.
However, there is no evidence in the released Epstein Files linking Ambani to trafficking crimes or illegal conduct. Coverage describes the exchanges as consistent with Epstein’s broader efforts to build relationships with influential business and political figures worldwide.
3. Hardeep Singh Puri
Hardeep Singh Puri, a senior Indian politician and former diplomat who served as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, is referenced in email exchanges dated between 2014 and 2017 within the Epstein Files reporting.
The communications reportedly referred to business networking discussions involving Puri and other global figures. Reports state that he visited Epstein’s residence for professional discussions. Puri has publicly maintained that any interaction was strictly professional and unrelated to criminal conduct.
No charges or allegations of trafficking or abuse have been made against him in connection with the Epstein Files.
4. Ravi Mantha
Ravi Mantha, an Indian venture capitalist and entrepreneur, is among the Indian figures referenced in broader discussions connected to the Epstein Files.
His name reportedly surfaced in reporting about elite investment and business networks, particularly in the period following Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The available material indicates that his mention relates to professional or networking contexts.
There is no evidence linking Mantha to trafficking, abuse, or illegal financial activity tied to Epstein.
5. Mira Nair
Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker known for directing films such as Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake, was referenced in emails concerning a 2009 social event hosted at the residence of Ghislaine Maxwell.
There is no evidence that Nair engaged in direct dealings with Epstein connected to criminal conduct. Reporting also notes that misinformation and AI-generated rumors have circulated online suggesting deeper links. Verified accounts clarify that her name appears only in a social-event context.
No allegations or charges connect her to the criminal activity outlined in the Epstein Files.
6. Deepak Chopra
Deepak Chopra, an Indian-American author and wellness advocate, appears in email exchanges dated between 2016 and 2018 referenced in media coverage of the Epstein Files.
The emails reportedly involved shared news articles and general conversation. There is no evidence connecting Chopra to Epstein’s criminal enterprise or trafficking operations.
No charges, investigations, or formal accusations have been reported against Chopra in relation to the Epstein Files.
7. Anurag Kashyap and Nandita Das
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actress-director Nandita Das were cited in reported emails connected to event invitations and festival references within coverage of the Epstein Files.
Kashyap’s name appeared in a 2009 Shanghai event-related email referencing him as a director. Das was cited in the context of a UK festival invitation. There is no indication of direct interaction with Epstein tied to criminal conduct.
Reports emphasize that these mentions are incidental and unrelated to allegations of abuse or trafficking.
