This Indian Express article details newly released US Department of Justice files from January 30, 2026, revealing iMessages and emails between Anil Ambani (Reliance ADAG Chairman) and Jeffrey Epstein from February 2017 to May 2019. The communications cover business financing, defense deals, political introductions, and personal rapport, amid Epstein’s status as a convicted sex offender (post-2008 plea deal). Key highlights:
- Financing Request (April 20, 2019): Ambani sought Epstein’s help for “up to 750 mill USD at personal level against listed shares” at a “corporate level.” Epstein responded cautiously: “Value of listed shares? Loans are difficult. Other structures should be considered. I assume listed share history is not pretty…” This came after Ambani’s Supreme Court contempt ruling for unpaid debt.
- Defense and Political Discussions:Date/TopicAmbani’s InputEpstein’s ResponseMarch 2017″Defense is key”; sought White House guidance for India ties.Shared Ehud Barak’s contact; affirmed “Your focus is perfect. Defense etc.”April 2017Flagged HR McMaster’s Delhi visit.Noted McMaster’s focus on ISIS, North Korea, Iran, Pakistan; asked Ambani’s priorities (Ambani: “India Pakistan defense”).May 2019Agreed to suggest Modi meet Steve Bannon.Proposed the idea post-Ambani’s Manhattan visit; no follow-up meeting noted.
- Personal Ties: Started with Dubai Ports World CEO’s intro (Feb 2017). Ambani visited Epstein’s Paris home for dinner. Epstein referenced mutual “finance people,” ministers to offset his reputation, and shared “holocaust survivor” imagery (non-literal) post-Ambani’s court woes. Exchanges included cryptic “desserts” references.
Political Context and Responses
- Rahul Gandhi’s Claim (Feb 2026): Outside Parliament, he cited DoJ files naming Union Minister Hardeep Puri and Ambani, questioning Puri’s Epstein links. Puri called it “baseless.”
- MEA Statement (Jan 31, 2026): Dismissed Epstein’s PM Modi-Israel visit references as “trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal.”
- No Comment: Ambani’s office ignored Indian Express queries.
These files echo Epstein’s pattern of leveraging networks for high-profile figures, similar to his ties with Barak, Bill Clinton, and others in prior releases. No evidence of illegal activity by Ambani is alleged here—focus is on business outreach. For full files, check DOJ’s public Epstein docket. What’s your take on the political fallout in India?
