Epstein portrayed as White House insider in talks with Ambani over US-India ties, report says

NEW DELHI: India’s policies toward Israel and its defence cooperation with the United States have come under scrutiny in a report that cites leaked communications involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and businessman Anil Ambani, according to a report by The New York Times.

The report, based on an analysis of hundreds of messages released by the US Department of Justice, suggests Epstein portrayed himself as a White House insider and engaged in discussions with Ambani about US-India relations and defence cooperation.

According to the report, Ambani sought guidance in 2017 on engaging with the White House, particularly on defence ties, shortly after the start of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The New York Times reported that Epstein shared information on U.S. foreign policy developments and potential appointments before they were publicly confirmed, while also offering to connect Ambani with individuals linked to the Trump administration.

The report further claims that discussions touched on India’s strategic positioning, including its approach to Israel, and suggested that increased defence purchases could influence Washington’s stance.

It also references meetings and communications involving Ambani and Epstein, including a visit to Epstein’s residence in New York in May 2019, ahead of the announcement of India’s general election results that year.

Ambani has not been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the reported exchanges, and the messages do not indicate any criminal activity on his part, the report said.

India’s external affairs ministry has previously dismissed materials from Epstein-related documents as “trashy ruminations” of a convicted criminal.

The paper report also highlighted Epstein’s broader network of contacts and his attempts to position himself as a facilitator of access to influential political and business figures.