Amid The Epstein Controversy, PM Modi Extends Birthday Wishes To Hardeep Puri

Prime Minister Modi and key figures greet Hardeep Singh Puri on his birthday, noting his influence on India's energy self-reliance through petroleum and natural gas policy, and his long public service career.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 February 2026 shared birthday greetings for Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, praising long-running work in India’s petroleum and natural gas sector. The message on X underlined Puri’s role in boosting energy self-reliance and wished continued good health and a long life.

Modi’s post highlighted Puri’s current responsibilities and contribution to energy policy. "Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji on his birthday. His efforts towards ensuring India is self-reliant in the petroleum and natural gas sectors are commendable. Praying for his long life and good health," PM Modi stated in his post.

Hardeep Singh Puri birthday greetings and petroleum and natural gas leadership

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also used X to mark the occasion, describing Puri’s work as central to India’s energy ambitions. "Warm birthday greetings to Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Ji. Your committed efforts continue to strengthen Bharat's journey towards self-reliance in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. May Maa Kamakhya bless you with good health, strength, and continued dedication in the service of the nation," he posted on X.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav joined the leaders acknowledging Puri’s public service, offering wishes linked to health and national work. "Honourable Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri ji, heartfelt birthday congratulations and best wishes. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev that He may bless you with excellent health, long life, and boundless energy for the service of the nation," Yadav said in his message on X.

Hardeep Singh Puri journey and petroleum and natural gas responsibilities

Hardeep Singh Puri was born on 15 February 1952 in Daryaganj, New Delhi, to a refugee family. Parents Sardar Bhagat Singh Puri and Sardarni Kundan Puri had moved after Partition and initially stayed in a refugee camp, gradually rebuilding family life and livelihood from difficult conditions.

Puri came into national politics after a long diplomatic career. A 1974-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Puri served in Indian missions in Tokyo and Colombo and later represented India as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in both Geneva and New York, handling key multilateral responsibilities.

His ministerial journey started in September 2017 when Puri entered the Union Council of Ministers as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. In May 2019, the government expanded Puri’s role, giving additional charge as Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, adding economic portfolios.

In July 2021, Puri took oath as a Union Minister with independent charge of Housing and Urban Affairs along with Petroleum and Natural Gas. Puri again joined the Union Cabinet in July 2024 and now serves as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, continuing to oversee policies linked to energy security and self-reliance.