India categorically rejects reference to PM in Epstein investigative files
India firmly rejected speculation arising from recently circulated material linked to the so-called Epstein files, clarifying that there is no official communication from United States authorities and no credible nexus involving India or its leadership in the matter.
Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said disclosures related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain part of judicial proceedings in the United States and that New Delhi has not been approached for any cooperation or clarification. Officials cautioned against drawing conclusions from unverified references and social media speculation.
The MEA also dismissed claims based on an email message circulating online that makes a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visit to Israel. In a statement, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that apart from the factual aspect of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Israel in July 2017, the remaining references in the email are “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal.” “Beyond the fact of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Israel, the rest of the allusions are baseless and irresponsible,” the spokesperson said, underscoring that such material should not be accorded credibility.
Government sources said India has received no formal request or information from US authorities regarding the Epstein case. “The legal proceedings and disclosures are under the jurisdiction of US courts and investigative agencies. India has not been contacted in this matter,” a senior official said, adding that New Delhi would respond through established diplomatic or legal channels if approached.
The clarification comes amid renewed global attention on documents associated with Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Legal experts have repeatedly pointed out that the presence of names or references in court filings does not imply guilt or wrong doing.
Diplomatic observers said India’s response reflects a cautious and legally grounded approach aimed at preventing misinformation from gaining traction. “Governments rely on verified information and formal communication, not conjecture or sensational interpretations,” said a former diplomat. The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to international cooperation on criminal matters, including efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but stressed that such cooperation must be rooted in due process and substantiated evidence.
Officials also noted that India remains engaged in a wide range of sensitive diplomatic and economic discussions globally, including with the United States, and that unfounded claims should not distract from substantive bilateral and multilateral agendas. For now, the Government’s position remains unequivocal: there is no factual basis to link India or its leadership to the Epstein case, and speculative narratives built around unverified material deserve no credence.
