The files show Epstein was in steady contact with Indian political figures for years, including multiple meetings with Hardeep Singh Puri after his 2008 conviction. The Modi–Bannon proposal fits a wider pattern of Epstein offering influence across global political networks.
BY PC Bureau
November 21, 2025 — Newly unsealed documents from the U.S. House Oversight Committee reveal that Jeffrey Epstein, months before his controversial death in federal custody, pushed aggressively to broker a private meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. The texts and emails show Epstein positioning himself as a behind-the-scenes power broker even as investigations into his sex-trafficking network were closing in around him.
The documents, part of a massive 23,000-page cache from Epstein’s estate, offer a rare look at how the convicted sex offender sought to cultivate global political influence in 2019. Despite renewed scrutiny from federal prosecutors and journalists, Epstein continued to operate as a self-styled geopolitical fixer—especially on issues related to countering China’s rise in Asia.
The most striking exchange took place on May 23, 2019—the day Narendra Modi won his second term with a sweeping mandate for the BJP. From New York, Epstein sent Bannon a terse message: “I can set. you should meet with modi.” Bannon, then in Kazakhstan for a conservative summit, replied instantly: “please.” Epstein followed up: “when can you do it?” and later sent the line that has triggered global attention: “modi on board.”
The documents do not confirm whether Modi personally approved the meeting or whether Epstein was speaking on behalf of someone in his circle. But the timing, tone and context suggest Epstein believed he had access to Modi’s top aides.
Bannon’s interest was clear. Hours earlier, he had texted Epstein about filming a one-hour segment on Modi for Indian audiences: “bringing American Hindu guys with us.” Epstein leaned into the geopolitical angle: “his focus wants to be stopping china.”
BIG SHOCKING 😱
MODI’S NAME IN EPSTEIN’S MESSAGES
“Modi on board”; “I can set”; “You should meet Modi” – Convicted Sex Offender & Pedophile #JeffreyEpstein wrote this to Trump advisor Steve Bannon in 2019, pushing for a #Modi meetup!
And that’s not all – Epstein had SEVERAL… pic.twitter.com/VusiUEg1me
— তন্ময় l T͞anmoy l (@tanmoyofc) November 21, 2025
Epstein’s Earlier Contacts With Indian Officials
The files reveal that Epstein’s outreach to powerful Indian figures did not begin in 2019. In March 2017, ahead of Modi’s visit to Washington, a redacted individual emailed Epstein: “The white hse announced yday pm modis trip to dc.” Epstein responded with comments on potential deals and U.S.–India cooperation, presenting himself as a conduit for high-level diplomacy.
More significantly, Epstein’s calendars show at least five scheduled meetings with senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri between June 2014 and January 2017. The meetings took place at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and his Palm Beach estate—after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The logs do not mention the subject of these discussions. Puri did not respond to questions from this outlet or Drop Site News, which first analysed the committee’s files.
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Epstein and Bannon: A Toxic Political Alliance
The Modi-Bannon angle is only one part of a larger picture emerging from the document dump. The texts show Epstein and Bannon were in frequent contact from mid-2018 to 2019. Bannon advised Epstein on how to rehabilitate his public image after the Miami Herald’s explosive “Perversion of Justice” series reignited federal scrutiny. He coached Epstein on posture, tone and media appearances, calling the renewed focus a “sophisticated op” by hidden adversaries.
The two even discussed a potential “60 Minutes” segment and a documentary. Bannon shot over 15 hours of footage at Epstein’s townhouse—material now under subpoena by House investigators.
Epstein also dangled introductions to foreign leaders for Bannon, telling him in July 2018: “There are many leaders of countries we can organize for you to have one on ones.” He offered input on Brexit strategy, Bannon’s Oxford Union speech, and mocked Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump as “Javanka!!!”
Other messages show Epstein boasting of passing “insights” to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov via a Norwegian intermediary. His India outreach sits squarely within this pattern of global political manoeuvring.
Political Shockwaves in India and the U.S.
In the U.S., Bannon’s team has declined comment. House Oversight Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, said they will seek Bannon’s testimony and access to the unreleased documentary footage, calling it crucial to understanding “elite impunity and political manipulation.” Republican members, meanwhile, have highlighted Epstein’s mockery of Trump in the files, diverting attention toward the late financier’s disdain for the former president.
Victims’ advocates expressed frustration that Epstein continued to operate as a global influencer even after his 2008 conviction. “Epstein wasn’t just a predator; he was a geopolitical fixer who weaponized access,” said Spencer Kuvin, a lawyer for survivor Virginia Giuffre.
Unanswered Questions
The documents contain no evidence that Modi or Bannon participated in Epstein’s criminal activities. Their interactions, as reflected in the files, revolve around politics and power—not illicit conduct. But the optics are damaging, especially given Modi’s intolerance for dissent and Bannon’s cultivation of illiberal political alliances.
As congressional investigations move forward, key questions remain:
• Did Epstein truly secure access to Modi’s team?
• What exactly would a Modi–Bannon meeting have discussed?
• Why was a disgraced financier still attempting to influence India–China strategy in his final months?
What is clear is that Epstein’s death did not end the story. The newly released files expose how deeply he embedded himself in global political networks—and how many powerful figures were willing to take his calls, long after the world knew who he was.
