A diplomatic visit by Afghanistan's Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to India has sparked a significant political controversy and widespread condemnation after women journalists were barred from attending his press conference in New Delhi. The incident has led to accusations that the Modi government is sacrificing India's constitutional values for diplomatic expediency.
The press conference, held at the Afghanistan Embassy in Delhi on October 10, 2025, was restricted to a handful of male reporters. Despite some women journalists arriving and adhering to conservative dress codes, they were prevented from entering the event by security staff.
Facing intense criticism, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement claiming it had "no involvement" in the press interaction. The MEA argued that the invites were managed by Afghanistan's Consul General in Mumbai and emphasized that the Afghan Embassy premises do not fall under Indian government jurisdiction. However, sources indicated that the Indian side had, in fact, suggested to the Afghan side that women journalists should be invited.
The exclusion of women journalists triggered a furious backlash from opposition leaders, journalists, and activists, who framed the incident as an insult to Indian women and a betrayal of the nation's constitutional values. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of weakness, stating that his silence "exposes the emptiness of your slogans on Nari Shakti". Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded that Modi clarify his position, questioning how this "insult to some of India's most competent women" was allowed in a country where women are its "backbone and its pride". P. Chidambaram, former Union Minister, expressed shock and suggested that the male journalists present should have walked out in solidarity with their female colleagues. Mahua Moitra, TMC MP, called the government a "shameful bunch of spineless hypocrites" for dishonoring every Indian woman. D. Raja, CPI general secretary, stated that allowing such exclusion is "blasphemy to our constitutional spirit".
The incident occurred during a high-profile visit that marked a significant reset in India's relationship with the Taliban regime. Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which India announced it would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full fledged embassy. This move, while stopping short of formal recognition, provides a boost to the diplomatically isolated Taliban government.
Analysts note that India's engagement is a pragmatic strategic shift, driven by a desire to increase Indian influence in Afghanistan. However, critics argue that the Modi government's "red-carpet treatment" of the Taliban, including allowing their discriminatory practices on Indian soil, represents a troubling departure from India's democratic principles and amounts to an endorsement of a regime known for gender apartheid.
The barring of women journalists from the Taliban's press conference in Delhi has become a lightning rod for broader concerns about the Indian government's foreign policy choices and its commitment to gender equality. While the government defends its actions as pragmatic diplomacy, critics see a dangerous normalization of extremist ideology and a surrender of the nation's constitutional values for questionable strategic gains.