Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri faces scrutiny over Epstein photograph

Indian Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is facing political pressure following the release of a photograph by the US Department of Justice showing him seated across a table from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

While Mr. Puri previously claimed he met Epstein several times in a professional capacity as part of a delegation, his office recently stated he could not recall the specific details of the meeting or the presence of others. The controversy has led Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi to raise concerns regarding potential foreign coercion or blackmail during sensitive negotiations involving energy cooperation, trade agreements, and India's oil purchases.

The timing of the photograph is considered politically sensitive as India and the US engage in discussions regarding energy supplies and strategic partnerships.