Photos of Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have resurfaced, prompting political questions about his claims of no private meetings.
Key Points
- Photos Resurface: 11 photos of Hardeep Puri and Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Justice Department in 2025.
- Minister’s Claim: Puri stated he only met Epstein with a delegation, never alone.
- Congress Questions: Opposition parties demand clarification on the photos’ context.
- Epstein’s Record: Jeffrey Epstein was convicted for sex trafficking in 2019 and died before trial.
Resurfaced Photos Prompt Political Scrutiny
NEW DELHI: A collection of 11 photographs showing Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sparked significant political controversy. The images were released as part of the ninth dataset from the US Justice Department’s Epstein files, which became public in November 2025. These photos have reignited questions about Puri’s claims that he never met Epstein alone, as the minister had previously stated during a February 2026 Lok Sabha session.
Background of the Epstein-Puri Connection
The photographs first appeared in an email dated November 2025, which included a message from Puri to Epstein. The communication read: ‘Dear Jeff, holiday greetings. When you return from your island, please let me know. I would like to meet and talk with you. Also, I want to give you some books to spark your interest in India.’ This message suggests a personal level of engagement between the two individuals.
Political Reactions and Demands for Clarification
The resurfacing of these images has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition. Congress spokesperson Supriya Srinet questioned Puri’s statement that he never met Epstein alone, asking, ‘What does that mean for these pictures?’ TMC MP Mahua Moitra raised concerns about the absence of other delegation members in two of the photos, suggesting discrepancies between Puri’s account and the visual evidence.
Puri’s Defense of Professional Engagement
During a February 2026 interview, Puri clarified that his meetings with Epstein occurred while he was associated with the International Peace Institute (IPI). He stated that these meetings were professional in nature and that he had no connection to Epstein’s criminal charges. Puri mentioned that his IPI superior, Terje Rod-Larsen, had prior knowledge of Epstein. He also noted that during their first meeting, he did not know Epstein’s identity and had to search for information about him online.
Context of the Epstein Files
The Epstein files, released by the US Justice Department in November 2025, contain a vast collection of documents related to Epstein’s activities. These files have been a focal point for investigations into his extensive network of associates and the alleged sexual abuse of minors. The documents include emails, financial records, and photographs that provide a detailed account of Epstein’s interactions with various individuals. The release of these files has been significant in uncovering the scope of Epstein’s influence and the potential complicity of high-profile figures.
Implications for Indian Politics
The controversy surrounding Puri’s alleged meetings with Epstein has broader implications for Indian politics. As a senior minister in the current government, Puri’s associations have come under intense scrutiny. The opposition parties are leveraging this issue to question the integrity of the government and its officials. This incident has also reignited discussions about the transparency of political figures’ interactions with individuals of dubious reputation. The situation may lead to further investigations or calls for Puri’s resignation, depending on the outcome of any subsequent inquiries.
