Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has responded to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's recent charge by clarifying that he met Jeffrey Epstein only as part of an official delegation linked to the International Peace Institute (IPI). He stated that his meetings with Epstein were limited and strictly within the framework of institutional interactions. The minister issued the clarification while holding a press conference after Rahul Gandhi's explosive Lok Sabha address.
Puri clarified that his interactions with Epstein had nothing to do with the charges against the late American financier. He said, "My boss at IPI knew Epstein and I met him only on a few occasions, 3-4 times to be precise as part of a delegation. Our interactions had nothing to do with the crimes he is accused of." He added, "I had no interest in Epstein's activities. For them, I was not the 'right person'... Epstein called me two-faced. Rahul should read the emails."
'Focus was on professional engagements'
The minister said his primary interaction at that time was with LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman and that he had invited the internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist to India. Puri stated, "Just three-four references to his name out of three million emails… I met Epstein on a few occasions as part of a delegation and exchanged just one email." He added that they talked about "Make in India". Puri reiterated he had no interest in Epstein's activities. "For them, I was not the 'right person'," again noting that Epstein had called him "two-faced" and insisting that Rahul Gandhi should read the emails.
Puri's dig at Rahul Gandhi
The Union Minister also took a dig at Gandhi's conduct in the Lok Sabha, noting, "Today, Rahul ji was supposed to speak on the budget. While speaking, he started reading the Economic Survey. It's as if there's a pause. Hey, my brother, please read a little. It's very important for India that we have international agreements and trade agreements. There's an industrialist whose name is also mentioned, but why hasn't he been arrested? Why are you linking him? The camel is somewhere, and the dog is barking in another city. What are you linking to what? I've already said that there are elements of vulgarity in this. It's only for entertainment value."
He further criticised Gandhi's speech in Parliament and suggested that he consult a dictionary before speaking about anyone. "Someone outside said 'dead economy,' and Netaji repeated the same. What they do has a very high entertainment value. I would call it elements of buffoonery. Today, he even mentioned me. They have a spokesperson, Supriya Shrinate, who said these were all 'baseless allegations,' especially regarding that India trade deal. She questioned who introduced Hardeep Puri. These facts are in the public domain. 3 million emails have been released," Puri added.
Rahul Gandhi's charge against Puri
The clarification came shortly after Rahul Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha that Hardeep Puri's name is mentioned in the Epstein Files, which detail the criminal activities of the sex offender, including his social circle of public figures, politicians and celebrities. Several high-profile figures from across the world, including US President Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, have been named in the files.
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