New Delhi, 25 Feb

The Congress on Wednesday claimed that the newly released emails from “Epstein Files” show that the post 2014 India–Israel relationship was shaped by the late convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Congress media head Pawan Khera asserted that India’s foreign policy on Israel and Palestine was traditionally grounded in the “two-nation theory”, but was subsequently altered by what he described as an “America–Israel lobby”.

Khera said an email on 4 January 2017 shows Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asking to meet Epstein. The duo allegedly met on 6 January, 2017, marking the beginning of this shift. He noted that global financer Epstein then contacted wellness guru Deepak Chopra, asking about business magnate Anil Ambani. Epstein and Ambani later allegedly met on 21 February, 2017. 

Quoting email exchanges, Congress media head Pawan Khera alleged Epstein introduced Anil Ambani to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak on 23 February, 2017. Ambani continued liaising with Barak on matters connected to India.

Among the cited emails, an exchange on 2 March 2017, showed:

•           At 3.11pm Ambani wrote to Epstein seeking “guidance on dealing with the White House for India’s relationship and defence cooperation.”

•           Epstein replied at 3.12pm: “Remember what are you willing to give. No ideology needed. Tit for tat.”

•           Ambani responded at 3.14pm: “Indian market, whatever works.”

•           Epstein at 3.19pm: “I will get some inside baseball (scoop) for you.”

Addressing the media with a big movie-like parody poster, 'Jeffrey Ne Bana Di Jodi', behind him, Khera said emails showed Epstein asking Barak about India’s role in US defence priorities. On 16 March 2017, Ambani wrote that “leadership” wanted Epstein’s help to arrange meetings with Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and aide Steve Bannon. Ambani also sought support for Modi’s upcoming visit to meet Donald Trump.

Khera claimed the Ministry of External Affairs was sidelined, with foreign policy being “run” by Puri, Ambani, and Epstein.

Khera said the following defence deals were signed due to Epstein’s influence:

•           2017: $2 billion missile system agreement.

•           2017: Pegasus intelligence package.

•           2018: Adani–Elbit joint venture in Hyderabad for drones – the first such facility outside Israel.

•           2022: Adani acquisition of Haifa port.

•           2020–25: Various defence contracts for light machine guns, anti-submarine warfare, and autonomous systems.

Khera pointed out an email from 24 May, 2019, between Epstein and Bannon. It said: “Really interesting Modi meeting. He won [the 2019 parliamentary elections] with HUGE mandate. His guy said that no one in Washington speaks to him; however, his main enemy is CHINA! And their proxy in the region of Pakistan. They will host the G20 in 22. Totally buys into your vision.” (sic)

In another mail, Epstein wrote, “Modi on board.”

“This is why the prime minister is compromised,” Khera said, “If Jeffrey Epstein can tell a White House official that ‘Modi is on board,’ it means he has control.”

Khera demanded investigations into Puri and Ambani, accusing the government of protecting its own.

Khera also alleged that between 2014 and 2017, when Puri was meeting Epstein, Ehud Barak’s close associate and alleged Mossad operative, Yoni Koren, was living in the same apartment.