Businessman Anil Ambani reportedly exchanged hundreds of private messages with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, seeking guidance on US-India relations and Trump administration plans, according to a New York Times report.
The messages, shared between 2017 and 2019, show Epstein presenting himself as a well-connected White House insider, offering advice to Ambani on political appointments and potential defence cooperation, while stressing he was acting "only as a friend."
Facing financial challenges at the time, Ambani reportedly wanted to understand India's role in Donald Trump's national security strategy. In one encrypted message, Ambani wrote to Epstein, "Will need your guidance on dealing with the White House for India relationship and defense cooperation."
Epstein replied that he would provide some "inside baseball" insights, sharing updates on policy decisions, foreign affairs, and Trump appointments before they were publicly known.
Epstein reportedly offered to connect Ambani with top Trump allies, including Stephen Bannon and Thomas Barrack Jr., suggesting that these meetings could help Ambani navigate Washington.
In one notable example, Ambani asked whether David Petraeus would be appointed as US ambassador to India. Epstein later informed him that Petraeus was not on the shortlist; the role went to Kenneth I. Juster later that year.
The NYT report also highlights Epstein providing moral support as Ambani faced business troubles. Epstein frequently sent encouraging messages, saying Ambani should remain "mentally strong", and offered advice on financial matters-but maintained he was acting only as a friend.
In April 2019, Epstein wrote: "No money for me. I have enough." Two weeks later, Ambani emailed him: "Dear Jeffrey. Transaction done. Will come to say hello and have coffee." The two met at Epstein's Manhattan home on May 23, 2019, just months before Epstein's arrest on sex trafficking charges.
Ambani and Epstein were reportedly introduced by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, former CEO of DP World, who resigned after his ties with Epstein became public.
No allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Ambani. The White House declined comment, reiterating Trump's denial of wrongdoing, while Bannon and Barrack did not respond to media queries.