Epstein Emails Unveil Puri's Communications and Visa Support for Aide
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) released a fresh tranche of documents on January 30, 2026, in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein case, shedding light on email exchanges between Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the convicted child sex offender during 2014-15. The emails, which have sparked a political firestorm, primarily feature Puri promoting India's economic growth and include instances where he facilitated a visa for Epstein's assistant.
Email Exchanges and Economic Pitches
In one email dated November 13, 2014, Puri wrote to Epstein and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, stating, "Jeff, your suggestion for less of 'goody goody' and more of internet-based entrepreneurial ideas has registered. I am ready." Epstein responded enthusiastically, noting he knew Puri "would come around." Earlier, on October 2, 2014, Hoffman described a meeting with Puri as "complicated" in an email to Epstein, moving the conversation to Skype.
Another email from Puri on October 24, 2014, reveals he helped Epstein's assistant obtain "a quick visa so she can attend a wedding in India." This assistance highlights the extent of their interactions beyond economic discussions.
Political Backlash and Puri's Defense
The release of these documents triggered immediate political controversy, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raising questions about Puri's involvement. In response, Puri held a press conference on February 12, 2026, accusing Gandhi of making "baseless allegations" and failing to uphold Parliamentary responsibility.
Puri clarified that he was in the United States from May 2009 to 2017, serving as India's ambassador to the UN in New York before becoming a Minister. He explained that his meetings with Epstein occurred as part of his role with the International Peace Institute (IPI), where he worked under Terje Rod-Larsen, who knew Epstein. Puri stated, "There are references to possibly two or three meetings in eight years... I met Mr Epstein on a few occasions — three or maximum four."
Background and Timeline
Hardeep Singh Puri retired from the Indian Foreign Service in February 2013, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in January 2014, and was inducted into the NDA Cabinet as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs in September 2017. In 2021, he was given the portfolio of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
According to the DoJ emails, Epstein wrote to Puri on June 18, 2014, informing him that "Reid Hoffman is ready to come to India." Puri replied on June 23, offering to "assist/ facilitate Reid Hoffman's visit." In September 2014, Epstein introduced Puri to Hoffman via email, describing Puri as "your man in india."
After a meeting with Hoffman in October 2014, Puri wrote to Epstein in November, emphasizing India's potential for internet-based economic activity. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on expanding rural internet coverage, predicting India's internet subscriber base would reach half a billion by 2018. Puri noted, "Growth of the internet in the US will most certainly not be able to keep pace with India's because in India, the penetration of the internet is less than 20%."
Further Interactions and Controversial Remarks
In December 2014, Puri emailed Epstein to arrange a meeting, asking when he would return from his "exotic island." Epstein responded immediately, mentioning he had spoken to Hoffman. Puri replied, "Indeed, telepathy. Give me a shout when you are back. And, have fun. Not that you require encouragement from others for that."
Later, in December 2015, Epstein forwarded an email from Puri requesting "time for a coffee" to Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen. Rod-Larsen responded with a controversial remark: "Have you heard the saying: when you meet an Indian and a snake, kill the Indian first!" Epstein replied, "the question is how do you tell one from the other." This exchange adds a layer of intrigue to the already sensitive communications.
The newly released documents continue to fuel debates over political accountability and international associations, with Puri maintaining his interactions were professional and focused on India's economic interests.
