NEW DELHI: India’s opposition Congress party on Friday sought an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over alleged references in the Epstein files.
The demand followed claims by Congress leader Pawan Khera. He said convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein mentioned the prime minister in an email.
According to Khera, the email claimed Modi took Epstein’s “advice” before a 2017 visit to Israel. The message also alleged Modi “danced and sang” for the US president.
The email reportedly ended with the phrase “IT WORKED!”. Khera described the allegation as a matter of national shame.
He said the claim raised serious questions about judgment and transparency. Khera also questioned diplomatic propriety.
Posting on social media platform X, Khera spoke of an unexplained association. He said the issue harmed India’s dignity and international image.
The Congress leader urged the prime minister to clarify the allegations. He asked what advice was allegedly sought and what the phrase implied.
Khera linked the claim to documents hosted on the US Department of Justice website. He said the email appeared days after Modi’s Israel visit.
Prime Minister Modi visited Israel from July 4 to 6, 2017. Khera also alleged Modi met then US president Donald Trump earlier.
Jeffrey Epstein was a former financier with links to powerful figures. He died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019.
At the time, Epstein awaited trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His name appears in several documents released in recent years.
The presence of a name does not establish wrongdoing. Congress said it would continue pressing for answers.
The party urged authorities to clarify the authenticity and context of the cited material.