- The 'Epstein files' refer to court documents, emails, and contact lists linked to Jeffrey Epstein
- Most names mentioned were cited in social or professional contexts
- No direct criminal allegations have been made against the Indian personalities listed
- The renewed media focus stems from phased public releases of sealed court records
- Experts caution that being named does not imply wrongdoing
The 'Epstein files' refer to thousands of pages of court records, unsealed documents, flight logs, emails, and depositions tied to disgraced 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 her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls.
The documents have periodically been released through court orders, lawsuits, and Freedom of Information Act requests. Each new batch sparks intense public scrutiny because Epstein maintained connections with powerful political leaders, billionaires, academics, and celebrities worldwide.
Importantly, legal experts stress that appearing in the files does not automatically indicate involvement in criminal activity. Many names surface in email chains, calendar invites, or third-party references without evidence of wrongdoing.
Below are seven Indian personalities whose names have appeared in various reported contexts.
Narendra Modi, prime minister of India
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Narendra Modi is India’s prime minister and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has not been directly mentioned or named in the Epstein files as having any personal contact, involvement, or wrongdoing with Jeffrey Epstein. As per ABC News Australia and The News Minute sources, his name appeared only indirectly in 2017–2019 emails between Epstein and Anil Ambani, where Ambani allegedly discussed logistics around Modi’s US and Israel visits. There is no evidence that Modi was aware of or participated in any communication with Epstein. As per Al Jazeera sources, Indian officials and the BJP dismissed the references as “trashy ruminations” with zero criminal implications.
Anil Ambani, chairman of the Reliance Group
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Anil Ambani is chairman of the Reliance Group and a prominent Indian industrialist. As per The News Minute sources, emails from 2017–2019 reportedly show discussions between Ambani and Epstein referencing U.S.-India diplomacy and logistical matters surrounding official visits. The communications allegedly positioned Ambani as a potential backchannel to Indian leadership.
However, there is no evidence in the released documents linking Ambani to Epstein’s trafficking crimes or illegal conduct. Reports characterize the exchanges as part of Epstein’s broader pattern of cultivating influential global business and political connections rather than evidence of criminal collaboration.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian politician and former diplomat
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Hardeep Singh Puri is a senior Indian politician and former diplomat who has served as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations and currently holds ministerial office. As per The News Minute sources, email exchanges between 2014 and 2017 referenced business networking conversations involving Puri and other global figures. Reports indicate he visited Epstein’s residence for professional discussions. Puri has publicly maintained that any interactions were 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.
Ravi Mantha, Indian venture capitalist & entrepreneur
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsInstagram/@ravi_mantha_healer
Ravi Mantha is an Indian venture capitalist and entrepreneur known for his involvement in global investment networks. As per Newslaundry and The News Minute sources, Mantha’s name appeared among Indian figures referenced in broader discussions about elite power circles following Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The context reportedly relates to professional or networking environments rather than allegations of wrongdoing. Reporting emphasizes that the available material does not connect Mantha to trafficking, abuse, or illegal financial activity tied to Epstein. His mention appears to reflect Epstein’s extensive outreach to global investors and business leaders.
Mira Nair, Indian-American filmmaker
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Mira Nair is an internationally acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker known for movies such as Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake. She is the mother of Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democratic politician representing Queens in the New York State Assembly. As per The News Minute sources, Nair was referenced in emails concerning a 2009 social event hosted at the residence of Ghislaine Maxwell. There is no evidence that she engaged in direct dealings with Epstein related to criminal conduct. Reports also note that misinformation and AI-generated rumors have circulated online, falsely implying deeper connections. Verified reporting clarifies that her name appears only in a social-event context without allegations of illegal activity.
Deepak Chopra, Indian-American author and wellness advocate
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Deepak Chopra is a prominent Indian-American author and wellness advocate known for his work in alternative medicine and spirituality. As per Times of India reporting, email exchanges between Chopra and Epstein from 2016–2018 included shared news articles and light conversation. There is no evidence linking Chopra to Epstein’s criminal enterprise or trafficking operations. The communications appear to reflect casual or professional interaction. No charges, investigations, or formal accusations have been reported against Chopra in relation to Epstein’s activities.
Anurag Kashyap, filmmaker and Nandita Das, actress and director
Indian Personalities Referenced in Epstein-Related Court DocumentsGetty Images
Anurag Kashyap is a noted Bollywood filmmaker, while Nandita Das is an award-winning actress and director recognized for her socially conscious cinema. As per OneIndia sources, Kashyap’s name appeared in a 2009 Shanghai event-related email referencing him as a director, and Das was cited in a UK festival invitation context. There is no indication of direct interaction with Epstein tied to criminal conduct. Reports stress that these mentions are incidental and unrelated to any allegations of abuse or trafficking.
The Epstein files reflect the late financier’s extensive networking across political, business, and cultural elites worldwide. Legal experts caution that being mentioned in emails, calendars, or invitations does not equate to wrongdoing.
As per Al Jazeera reporting, Indian officials have characterized the references as lacking substance and criminal implication. To date, no charges or proven allegations connect the above individuals to Epstein’s trafficking crimes.
