The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm rebuttal on Saturday, categorically rejecting claims made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Israel in 2017 that appeared in newly released documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Strong Official Statement from India's Foreign Ministry
In an official statement released from New Delhi, the ministry described the references as "trashy ruminations of a convicted criminal" that must be "dismissed with the utmost contempt." The ministry emphasized that beyond the factual record of the Prime Minister's diplomatic visit to Israel in July 2017, all other insinuations in the documents lack credibility and merit.
Context of the Epstein Document Release
This response comes following the United States Department of Justice's significant disclosure on Friday of investigative materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The release included more than three million pages of records, along with over 2,000 videos and approximately 180,000 images, as part of a transparency initiative mandated by Congress.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the disclosures at a news conference, stating that the release "marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance with the act."
Background on Jeffrey Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein, the financier at the center of the documents, died by suicide in a New York jail cell in August 2019, just one month after facing federal sex trafficking charges. His legal history included a controversial 2008 plea deal in Florida that resulted in 13 months of custody, a case that has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism over the years.
India's Diplomatic Position
The Ministry of External Affairs specifically addressed an email message from what it termed "the so-called Epstein files" that contained references to the Prime Minister and his Israel visit. The ministry's statement represents a clear diplomatic stance, separating the factual diplomatic engagement from unsubstantiated claims appearing in documents related to a convicted criminal.
This incident highlights how international legal disclosures can sometimes intersect with diplomatic matters, requiring official responses to maintain clarity and protect national reputation. The ministry's strong language reflects the seriousness with which India views such references to its leadership in documents connected to criminal proceedings.
The timing of the release and India's prompt response demonstrates the ongoing global attention surrounding the Epstein case and its wide-ranging implications. As more documents become public through transparency initiatives, governments worldwide may need to address unexpected references to their officials and diplomatic activities.
