Hardeep Puri Refutes Rahul Gandhi's Epstein File Allegations, Calls Them Baseless

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has issued a strong rebuttal to the allegations made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Parliament regarding the Epstein files. Addressing the claims, Puri clarified that his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein were strictly professional and occurred during his tenure as India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, while the Minister emphasized that these meetings were part of official diplomatic engagements and were already in the public domain. He described the allegations as baseless and accused Rahul Gandhi of having a habit of making unsubstantiated claims without verifying facts, while puri maintained that the interactions had no connection to the illegal activities associated with the Epstein case.

The controversy erupted during a parliamentary session when Rahul Gandhi referenced the Epstein files and mentioned Hardeep Singh Puri's name in that context, while in response, Puri provided a detailed timeline, stating that between May 2009 and his appointment as a Minister in 2017, approximately 3 million emails were released. Among these, his name appears in relation to only three or four meetings, all of which were conducted within the framework of international diplomacy, while he clarified that these engagements were linked to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM) and other global forums where numerous international leaders and delegates were present.

Clarification on Professional Engagements and Emails

Hardeep Singh Puri detailed the nature of his meetings, stating that he was part of a larger delegation during these interactions. He clarified that the meetings weren't personal but were held in the presence of leaders from various countries. Regarding the emails mentioned in the files, Puri explained that a contact had introduced him to Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn. He noted that the emails exchanged were professional and even included mentions of the 'Make in India' campaign, aimed at promoting India's economic interests on a global stage. The Minister asserted that all such correspondences are transparent and part of the public record, leaving no room for suspicion. He criticized Gandhi for misinterpreting the presence of his name in the files as an indication of wrongdoing.

Critique of Parliamentary Conduct and Economic Literacy

The Union Minister launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi's political conduct, labeling it as irresponsible. Puri categorized leaders into two groups: those who dedicate their lives to public service and economic growth, and those who frequently travel abroad and stage walkouts during crucial parliamentary discussions, while he highlighted India's economic trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the country has moved from the 10th largest economy to the 4th largest and is on track to become the 3rd largest soon. Puri also took exception to Gandhi's claim that India is being held 'hostage' by international pressure, pointing out that 50% of India's GDP is linked to the external sector and that the government has signed nine trade agreements in record time.

Diplomatic Protocols and Global Forums

Drawing from his extensive career as a diplomat and trade negotiator, Puri explained that meeting influential figures from various sectors is a standard procedure at international conferences. He stated that his discussions with Epstein were confined to topics of global governance and multilateralism. Addressing Gandhi's comments about certain industry figures, Puri remarked that the individuals being criticized were historically closer to the Congress administration. He suggested that the Leader of the Opposition should study the complexities of international trade and diplomacy to engage in more meaningful debates in Parliament, rather than resorting to personal attacks based on misinterpreted documents.

Analysis of Political Implications and Expert Views

According to political analysts, the exchange in Parliament reflects the deepening divide between the treasury and opposition benches. Experts suggest that Hardeep Singh Puri's detailed clarification is an attempt to set the record straight and prevent any damage to his diplomatic and political reputation. Analysts observe that while the Epstein files are a sensitive international subject, conflating professional diplomatic encounters with personal involvement is factually problematic. The rebuttal by the Minister is seen as a move to shift the narrative back to India's economic achievements and trade successes, challenging the opposition to provide evidence-based arguments instead of rhetorical allegations.

To sum it all up, Hardeep Singh Puri has categorically denied any wrongdoing and challenged the basis of the allegations leveled against him. He reaffirmed his commitment to the nation's development and urged for a more informed political discourse. The Minister's response underscores the government's stance on maintaining transparency in international dealings while focusing on India's rise as a global economic power.

VIDEO | Delhi: Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's charge, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, “I was invited to join the International Peace Institute (IPI). My interactions were professional and related to the Independent Commission on Multilateralism (ICM), where the chair was the… pic.twitter.com/4QQ7mBDRuF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2026