Epstein emails show Puri meetings, visa help for aide

Epstein Emails Unearth Ties to Indian Minister

Recent disclosures from the extensive Jeffrey Epstein files have thrust Indian Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri into the spotlight. The documents, part of millions of emails released by the US Department of Justice, detail email exchanges between Puri and the late financier, known for his criminal convictions related to sex trafficking. These interactions occurred during Puri's time as India's Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, spanning from 2009 to 2017. The emails highlight discussions on business opportunities in India, including pitches for investments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic initiatives like Make in India. Puri reportedly visited Epstein's Manhattan residence on several occasions, including dates in 2015, 2016, and 2017, even after Epstein's 2008 registration as a sex offender.

The exchanges also touch on facilitating connections for high-profile figures. One notable thread from June 2014 involves Puri coordinating around LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman's potential visit to India. Epstein inquired about a meeting with Hoffman, and Puri responded promptly, seeking advice on organizing the trip to connect with science, tech experts, and social networking leaders. Puri described India’s investment potential, emphasizing Modi's reforms to excite interest. Meanwhile, the files show Epstein's private disdain for India, referring to it in crude terms as hot, smelly, and filthy in a 2014 email, despite engaging in these professional overtures.

Minister Admits Meetings, Dismisses Wrongdoing

Just three-four references out of three million emails... I met Epstein on a few occasions as part of a delegation and exchanged just one email. Our interactions had nothing to do with the crimes he is accused of. We talked about Make in India.

Hardeep Singh Puri has openly acknowledged meeting Epstein three or four times over eight years, insisting all encounters were strictly professional. In responses to allegations raised in India's Parliament by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Puri emphasized that he did not initiate the meetings—Epstein did. The minister clarified that discussions centered on international work, such as the Independent Commission on Multilateralism and invitations for business leaders to explore opportunities in India. He denied any involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, noting he never visited Epstein's private island or used his aircraft. Puri also revealed that Epstein once called him "two-faced" in private correspondence, underscoring a lack of personal alignment. These clarifications came amid a heated political exchange, with Puri urging critics to review the full context of the emails rather than isolated snippets.

The controversy gained traction after Gandhi claimed verified information from Department of Justice files named Puri. Puri countered by pointing out the minimal references amid vast document dumps, attributing contacts to his diplomatic role and later ties with the International Peace Institute. He stressed cutting off associations post-Epstein's deepened legal troubles. This back-and-forth has fueled a broader debate on the implications of such high-level interactions with a figure like Epstein, whose network spanned global elites.

Political Storm and Broader Connections

The Epstein files extend beyond Puri, mentioning other prominent Indians like billionaire Anil Ambani. Emails show Ambani seeking Epstein's help for meetings with US figures such as Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon, and even support for a Trump-Modi summit in 2017. Epstein also commented on Modi's diplomatic moves, like his Israel visit, framing it as strategic advice. Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera, have amplified scrutiny with pointed questions: How did Epstein know of Puri's meetings beforehand? Why address him as a friend? These queries aim to probe the depth of influence Epstein wielded. The government has dismissed the claims as baseless politicking, especially as the files stem from transparency mandates under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Epstein's background adds gravity: convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor, rearrested in 2019 on trafficking charges before his jail suicide. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell serves a 20-year term. The releases, including withheld materials from prior dumps, aim to illuminate government knowledge of his abuses and elite ties. For India, this episode highlights tensions between diplomatic networking and associating with controversial figures, even for business gains. Opposition parties see it as an opening to question ruling party's international dealings, while supporters view it as routine diplomacy exaggerated for votes.

In wrapping up, the Epstein emails spotlight Puri's limited but documented contacts—meetings, emails on visas and investments—framed as professional by the minister amid opposition attacks. Puri maintains innocence of any impropriety, backed by the sparse mentions in massive files. The saga underscores ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's global web, blending business, politics, and scandal, with no evidence linking Indian figures to crimes. It remains a flashpoint in Indian politics, prompting calls for fuller transparency.