TNI Bureau: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday addressed the controversy surrounding his reported links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, stating at a press meet that he had met Epstein “three or four times,” but only in an official capacity and without any personal connection.

Clarifying his position, Puri said the interactions took place years ago during his tenure in the diplomatic and multilateral sphere, when he was associated with international institutional work. According to him, the meetings occurred in formal settings as part of professional engagements, and there was no social relationship, private communication, or continued association beyond those limited encounters. He stressed that the contacts predated the period when Epstein’s criminal activities became widely known.

The minister strongly rejected political allegations suggesting any deeper link, calling such claims unfounded and misleading. He maintained that his public record and professional background speak for themselves, and accused critics of attempting to manufacture controversy by selectively interpreting old references. Puri asserted that merely meeting an individual in an official context cannot be construed as endorsement or association with that person’s later actions.

The statement comes amid heightened political tensions, with opposition voices raising questions following references to his name in discussions related to Epstein. However, Puri drew a clear distinction between formal diplomatic interaction and personal involvement, reiterating that he has nothing to hide and no reason for concern.
While his clarification aimed to settle the matter, the issue has added to the charged political atmosphere in the capital. Whether the explanation closes the controversy or fuels further debate will depend on how the political discourse unfolds in the coming days.