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Epstein Files: Anil Ambani, one of India’s prominent businessmen, sought to understand India’s role in the early days of the Trump administration. New revelations show that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein presented himself to Ambani as a White House insider and offered guidance "as a friend" when Ambani faced financial challenges.

According to a report by The New York Times, Ambani’s interest in navigating the new US administration in 2017 led him to Epstein. The two exchanged hundreds of messages over a two-year period, revealing Epstein’s high-level contacts among politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, which allowed him to present himself as someone with insider knowledge.

"Will need ur guidance on dealing wth white house for india relationship ad defense cooperation," Ambani wrote to Epstein soon after they connected online. Epstein responded, promising that he would get Ambani some "inside baseball."

Epstein reportedly shared information with Ambani on foreign policy and Trump administration appointments before they became public. "Whether he just got lucky or not, his messages indicated he sought and received accurate information from unnamed people about the White House's thinking in response to Mr. Ambani's questions," the report added.

For instance, in March 2017, Ambani asked Epstein if David Petraeus, the former CIA director, would be named US ambassador to India. Epstein replied, "I'll ask." Later, he informed Ambani that Petraeus was not on the "front burner." The role ultimately went to Kenneth I. Juster in November 2017.

The report also notes that Epstein offered to introduce Ambani to people close to President Trump, including Stephen K Bannon and Thomas J Barrack Jr, chairman of Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee. Epstein suggested that they might find it useful to meet Ambani.

For his part, in India, Ambani also presented himself as politically connected and a conduit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He once wrote that “leadership” had asked for Epstein’s help in arranging meetings for him with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and Bannon.

Ambani and Epstein communicated over the phone and via encrypted platforms such as Signal and Telegram, where Ambani, 66, used the handle "Armani A." However, these talks happened years after Epstein went to jail for having sex with a minor.

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The New York Times notes that the two were introduced by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the former chairman and CEO of Dubai-based DP World, who resigned after his connections to Epstein were revealed.

As Ambani’s business faced struggles in 2019, Epstein’s messages often offered encouragement. "Mr. Epstein sent sympathetic messages, telling Mr. Ambani to stay 'mentally strong.' He repeatedly offered advice, but underscored that he was acting only as a friend," the report said.

On April 20, 2019, Epstein wrote, "No money for me. I have enough." Two weeks later, he received an email from Ambani: "Dear Jeffrey. Transaction done. Will come to say Hello and have coffee." The two met on May 23, 2019, at Epstein’s Manhattan home. Earlier, Epstein had offered to “devote as much time as needed” during their meeting, “again, only as a friend.”

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About two months later, Epstein asked Ambani if he was taking "rest time." Ambani replied that he was working. Epstein responded with a smiley face ":)". Three days later, Epstein was arrested on charges of sex trafficking minors.

Anil Ambani has faced no allegations of sexual misconduct. The NYT report notes that he did not respond to requests for comment, and neither did Bannon or Barrack. A White House representative cited statements by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, emphasizing Trump’s denial of any wrongdoing.


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