New Delhi: A recent report has brought to light India’s policies toward Israel and its defence collaboration with the United States through leaked communications involving the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and businessman Anil Ambani. The analysis, based on hundreds of messages released by the US Department of Justice, indicates that Epstein portrayed himself as a White House insider while engaging in conversations with Ambani about US-India relations and defence cooperation.
In 2017, shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office, Ambani reportedly sought advice on how to engage with the White House, particularly regarding defence ties. Epstein is said to have shared information about US foreign policy developments and potential appointments before they were publicly announced, while also offering to introduce Ambani to individuals connected to the Trump administration.
The discussions reportedly included India’s strategic positioning, especially its approach toward Israel, and suggested that increased defence purchases by India could impact Washington’s stance. The report also mentions meetings and communications between Ambani and Epstein, including a visit by Ambani to Epstein’s New York residence in May 2019, just before the announcement of India’s general election results that year.
Notably, Ambani has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with these exchanges, and the messages do not indicate any criminal conduct on his part. India’s external affairs ministry has previously dismissed Epstein-related documents as the “trashy ruminations” of a convicted criminal.
In a significant development, the report also highlights Epstein’s extensive network and his efforts to position himself as a conduit to influential political and business leaders, underscoring his attempts to wield influence beyond his criminal notoriety.
