The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that India had no role in the male-only press conference held by Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi on 10 October, after women journalists were reportedly barred from attending.
The event, organised by the Afghan embassy following bilateral talks with EAM S Jaishankar, sparked national outrage, with Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and P Chidambaram condemning the exclusion as an affront to gender equality and India’s democratic values.
The MEA stated it had no involvement in the press interaction, while the Taliban delegation’s visit continues until 16 October.
MEA Denies Involvement Amid National Backlash
The press conference, held at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi, allowed only male journalists and Afghan officials to attend, despite several women journalists arriving in full compliance with the embassy’s dress code. During the briefing, Muttaqi discussed India-Afghanistan relations, humanitarian aid, trade routes, and regional security.
The MEA swiftly responded to the controversy, stating: “MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi”. It reiterated that the event was independently managed by the Afghan mission, underscoring that diplomatic premises operate under the host country’s laws but retain autonomy over internal arrangements.
Political Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The exclusion triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the government’s silence and diplomatic conduct. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the incident “an insult to India’s women journalists” and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his stance, asking whether his advocacy for women’s rights was merely “convenient posturing”.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, asserted that Modi’s silence “exposes the emptiness” of his Nari Shakti slogans, adding that allowing such exclusion sends a message that women are not equal participants in public life.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram expressed shock, urging male journalists to have walked out in solidarity, while Karti Chidambaram termed the MEA’s conduct “outright ridiculous” for tolerating discriminatory practices on Indian soil.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The dignity and rights of women must never be compromised, even in the name of diplomatic engagement. The Logical Indian believes that while dialogue with all nations is essential, it must be guided by principles of empathy, justice, and human dignity.
India’s global image as a democratic leader rests on its commitment to equality. When women are silenced in public forums, it weakens the foundation of inclusive progress.
