Met Epstein 3–4 Times as Part of Peace Delegation: Hardeep Puri Responds to Rahul Gandhi

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday dismissed allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi linking him to the so-called “Epstein Files,” clarifying that he met Jeffrey Epstein only a few times as part of official international engagements.

The clarification came after Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha, where he claimed that Puri’s name figures in documents related to Epstein, the late American financier who was charged with sex trafficking.

‘Met Him 3–4 Times as Part of Delegation’

Addressing a press conference, Puri said his interactions with Epstein occurred when he was associated with the International Peace Institute (IPI) and were strictly professional. “My boss at IPI, Terje Rød-Larsen, knew Epstein. I met him only on three or at most four occasions as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do with the crimes he is accused of,” Puri said.

He added that the meetings were linked to his work with the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and other international assignments.

Reference in Released Documents

Puri pointed out that the US Department of Justice has released over three million documents and emails connected to the Epstein case. “Three million emails covering the period from May 2009, when I joined as India’s Ambassador to the UN in New York, until I became a minister in 2017, have been released. In that entire period, there are references to only three or four meetings. My interactions were entirely professional,” he said.

He further claimed that over eight years, there were only two references and a single email exchange involving Epstein, who was introduced to him through other individuals.

‘Interactions Had Nothing to Do With Criminal Charges’

Responding strongly to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, Puri said the “Epstein files” relate to serious criminal offences, including sex trafficking and abuse, and that his limited official interactions had no connection to those activities.

He also read out portions of an email exchange, saying it related to discussions about India’s growing internet economy and was copied to Epstein among others. In another 2014 exchange, Puri claimed Epstein had described him as “two-faced,” asserting that he had no interest in Epstein’s activities.

“Rahul should read the emails,” Puri said.

Background

Rahul Gandhi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, alleged that Puri’s name appears in documents detailing Epstein’s network of high-profile associates, which has included politicians, business leaders and public figures globally. Jeffrey Epstein was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in August 2019 and died a month later in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial.