Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has faced questions from Opposition leaders after photos purportedly showing him with Jeffrey Epstein circulated on social media. The images have prompted scrutiny of Puri’s past interactions with Epstein and his statements about their meetings. On 11 February 2026, Puri said he had met Epstein on a few occasions as part of a delegation, estimating the number at “three or maximum four”. He also said his interactions with Epstein had no connection to the allegations involving the American financier. Puri had earlier clarified that he did not hold independent meetings with Epstein and that the interactions took place before he joined the Union Cabinet in 2017. Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. The Epstein files concern allegations of sexual abuse, including offences involving minors, and the victims connected to his case. Opposition leaders have questioned Puri over the photographs and his past meetings with Epstein. However, the source of the photos circulating online remains unverified.