Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday strongly rejected allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi linking him to the recently released Epstein files. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Puri dismissed the claims as “innuendos and a smear campaign,” asserting that his interaction with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein was minimal and strictly professional.
Puri said the references in the documents relate to four meetings spread across his eight-year tenure in New York, when he served as India’s Ambassador to the United Nations. He clarified that he was introduced to Epstein through Terje Roed-Larsen, then President of the International Peace Institute (IPI). After completing his diplomatic assignment, Puri joined the Independent Commission on Multilateralism under the aegis of IPI, which led to a few formal interactions with Epstein as part of delegations.
According to the minister, the meetings were neither personal nor secretive. “Four meetings in eight years cannot be turned into a conspiracy,” he said, adding that he had no association with the criminal activities for which Epstein was later convicted.
Puri also addressed mention of an email exchange involving LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, where Epstein had been copied. He explained that he had introduced discussions about internet expansion in India, digital penetration, and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He revealed that Epstein had once called him “two-faced” because he did not align with his interests. “If I did not suit him, that should say enough,” Puri remarked.
The minister further disclosed that he was once taken to Epstein’s residence for dinner without prior knowledge of the venue. He said Larsen did not inform him in advance because he believed Puri might decline the invitation. “I was ambushed,” he said, stressing that the visit was not pre-planned on his part.
Responding to questions about interacting with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, Puri said that Epstein remained a prominent figure in New York society at the time. He argued that diplomatic roles often require engagement with controversial individuals. Drawing a comparison from his own career, he noted that he had once been sent to speak with LTTE chief V Prabhakaran. “Meeting someone does not mean sharing their values,” he asserted.
Turning his criticism toward Rahul Gandhi, Puri accused the Congress leader of indulging in political theatrics. He referred to Gandhi’s 2013 move of publicly tearing up an ordinance cleared by the Manmohan Singh Cabinet, his past remarks describing India as a “dead economy,” and other controversies. “Rahul Gandhi has dialled a wrong number,” Puri said sharply, suggesting that the current allegations were another attempt at sensational politics.
The controversy erupted after the US Department of Justice released files related to Epstein, triggering political reactions in India. Rahul Gandhi cited Puri’s name in connection with the documents, prompting the minister’s detailed rebuttal. Puri maintained that the references do not imply wrongdoing and insisted that the Congress was trying to manufacture a narrative without evidence.
The exchange has intensified the political atmosphere in the capital, with both sides trading sharp remarks. While the Congress continues to question the government, the BJP has defended Puri and dismissed the charges as baseless.
As the debate unfolds, the issue highlights how international developments can quickly spill into domestic political battles. For now, Puri has made it clear that he considers the allegations unfounded and politically motivated.