A heated political controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi referenced the Epstein files in Parliament, alleging links involving Anil Ambani and Hardeep Puri. The Union Minister clarified his past diplomatic meetings and dismissed the claims as baseless, intensifying the political debate.
Rahul Gandhi and Hardeep Puri Trade Sharp Charges
New Delhi: A political controversy erupted in India after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referred to the “Epstein files” during the Budget Session of Parliament on February 11, 2026. His remarks triggered sharp reactions from the ruling government and intensified the political atmosphere both inside and outside the Lok Sabha.
Speaking in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi questioned why businessman Anil Ambani had not faced imprisonment, alleging that Ambani’s name appeared in the so-called Epstein files. He also directly mentioned Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, asking who had introduced Anil Ambani to Jeffrey Epstein.
Outside the House, Gandhi further claimed that the United States Department of Justice possessed documents related to Epstein that allegedly included the names of Hardeep Puri and Anil Ambani.
These statements quickly drew strong rebuttals from the government.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded firmly, stating that Rahul Gandhi should understand that the Epstein files relate to serious criminal allegations, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
He emphasized that the matter involves grave accusations and victims who have pursued legal cases, and that his own interactions had nothing to do with any wrongdoing.
Puri acknowledged that he had met Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 while serving as India’s Ambassador to the United States. However, he clarified that the meeting occurred in his official capacity as part of a delegation associated with the International Peace Institute (IPI). According to Puri, the details of these interactions are already in the public domain, including references in publicly available emails.
He stated that he became a minister eight years after those meetings and that there were only three to four such interactions, all in formal or diplomatic settings. He stressed that the meetings were part of broader international engagements and not personal associations.
Puri accused Rahul Gandhi of making unfounded allegations, saying that the Congress leader has a habit of raising baseless claims. He also referred to a 2014 interaction, explaining that one of Epstein’s associates had facilitated a meeting with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman on the US West Coast.
According to Puri, discussions at the time focused on India’s emerging economic opportunities, and he had encouraged global leaders to witness India’s transformation.
The exchange has further escalated political tensions, with the opposition pressing for answers and the government dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
