New Delhi: The government on Saturday distanced itself from mounting controversy after a press conference in Delhi held by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi barred female journalists from entering. Official sources affirmed that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had no involvement in organizing the event.
No Women Allowed, Press Row Erupts
During the presser in Delhi, only male journalists were present — photographs circulated widely showing a men-only audience. The exclusion triggered accusations of gender bias, especially given India’s stated commitment to women’s rights on the global stage.
Government’s Defence: We Had No Role
India’s MEA clarified that it played no part in organizing the press conference. According to MEA statements, the invitees were selected by Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mumbai — who was coordinating the Afghan minister’s engagements in Delhi — and the press meet itself was held at Afghan embassy premises, outside Indian jurisdiction.
Opposition Strikes Back
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mahua Moitra and Jairam Ramesh, launched sharp attacks on the government for allowing the exclusion to happen under India’s watch.
Rahul Gandhi condemned the silence:
“You are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them,” he wrote on X, accusing Prime Minister Modi of empty “Nari Shakti” slogans.
Priyanka Gandhi asked for clarification from the PM, questioning how “this insult to some of India’s most competent women” was permitted.
Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra said the exclusion was a dishonour to “every single Indian woman.”
Jairam Ramesh called the ban “shocking and unacceptable” on Indian soil, especially on the eve of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Taliban Responds: “Technical Issue, Not Intentional”
In response to the backlash, the Taliban said the exclusion was not deliberate but a technical issue — the number of press passes was limited, and some women did not receive them. They insisted there was no discriminatory policy at play, noting that FM Muttaqi does host female journalists in other settings.
What This Means for India & Its Image
This incident — taking place in India’s capital — has raised serious questions about India’s handling of human rights optics and gender equality, especially when engaging with regimes known for suppressing women’s rights.
While the government has formally distanced itself, critics argue that by allowing such an exclusion on Indian soil, New Delhi has sent a problematic message. The opposition has demanded clarity: did India tacitly consent? Why was no female reporter included? And what does this say about our national commitment to press freedom and gender parity?