Epstein records reveal Ambani leveraging access to advance Modi’s agenda in US
New Delhi: Newly released documents from the devices of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveal that Indian businessman Anil Ambani maintained communications with Epstein from 2017 to 2019 to facilitate US political access and discussions regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities.
According to the records, Ambani sought Epstein’s guidance on matters ranging from defense cooperation and India-US relations to arranging meetings with prominent American political figures, including Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner, during the Trump administration.
Significant exchanges occurred around May 2019, during India’s general election period. Epstein noted that a representative “sent by Modi” would meet him, and Ambani coordinated a meeting at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse on May 23, 2019, the day Modi’s decisive re-election victory was announced. Epstein described the meeting as “really interesting,” highlighting Modi’s focus on China and Pakistan.
The records show that Ambani’s interactions with Epstein also involved defense and corporate discussions. In March 2017, Ambani sought guidance on engaging the White House and advancing India’s defense cooperation. Epstein offered to facilitate meetings and provide inside information, including contacts such as Ehud Barak and former White House officials. Ambani’s messages reveal repeated attempts to track Modi’s official visits to Washington and arrange informal diplomatic channels (“track 2” contacts).
In addition, the documents indicate Ambani requested Epstein’s help on corporate financial matters in April 2019, timed with India’s election results, and sought introductions to figures in US politics to advance both business and Modi-related agendas.
Reliance Defence, part of Ambani’s business empire, became an offset partner in the controversial 2016 Rafale fighter jet deal, a move criticized internationally. Ambani has also faced multiple regulatory actions, including a five-year SEBI ban in 2024 and recent Enforcement Directorate asset attachments exceeding INR 10,000 crore.
The documents highlight Ambani’s sustained efforts to influence US policy and secure political access for Modi, with communications spanning over two years and involving high-level strategic discussions, while the MEA in India has dismissed references in Epstein’s emails as “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal.”
