NEW DELHI (February 12, 2026) – Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has issued a sharp rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, dismissing allegations linking him to the “Epstein Files” as baseless political smears. Speaking to NDTV, Puri accused Gandhi of “making an ass of himself” by misinterpreting professional documents as evidence of wrongdoing.
The controversy erupted after Gandhi alleged in the Lok Sabha that Puri’s name appeared in U.S. Department of Justice files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting this gave the U.S. “leverage” over India’s recent trade negotiations.
The Minister’s Defense
Puri clarified that his interactions with Epstein were limited, professional, and occurred years before he joined the government in 2017.
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Professional Context: Puri met Epstein “three or four times” as part of a delegation for the International Peace Institute (IPI) while serving as India’s Ambassador to the UN.
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Email Evidence: Puri cited an email where Epstein actually described him as “two-faced,” which the Minister argued proves he was not interested in Epstein’s personal or illegal activities.
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Proactive Disclosure: Puri revealed he had already sent a private note to Gandhi in November 2025 explaining these facts, which he says the Congress leader ignored.
Trade Deal Dispute
Rahul Gandhi argued that the U.S. used these “files” as a chokehold to force India into a disadvantageous trade agreement. Puri rejected this, calling the new framework a “top-class deal” that successfully lowered reciprocal tariffs from 50% to 18%.
“Mr. Rahul Gandhi needs better advisors. If he had read the text, he would perhaps have taken measures not to make an absolute ass of himself.” — Hardeep Singh Puri
Summary of Allegations vs. Response
| Feature | Rahul Gandhi’s Charge | Hardeep Puri’s Response |
| Epstein Link | Alleged “guilt by association” and DOJ naming. | Professional IPI meetings; Epstein called him “two-faced.” |
| Trade Deal | Claims India “surrendered” due to blackmail. | A strategic victory reducing tariffs to 18%. |
| Timing | Link to current government policy. | Occurred while Puri was a private citizen/diplomat. |
