The exclusion of female journalists from a press conference led by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi sparked significant outrage from journalists and opposition leaders. Many condemned the incident as indicative of the Taliban’s entrenched misogyny. The Taliban, currently in power in Afghanistan, is notorious for its discriminatory policies against women, which include prohibiting them from higher education and many workplaces. The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) labeled the action as “highly discriminatory” and called on the Union government to address the Afghan Embassy to prevent future gender-based exclusions in media events. Journalists criticized the Indian government for allowing such discriminatory practices to unfold within the country.
Author and journalist Nayanima Basu questioned, “How can this be allowed? Who approved such an outrageous disregard for representation?” Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to women’s rights, stating on X, “If your recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other, then how has this insult to some of India’s most competent women been allowed?” Following discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muttaqi held the press conference at the Afghan Embassy, which was attended only by a select group of reporters, notably excluding women. Reports suggest that while the Indian side recommended the inclusion of female journalists, the final decision rested with the Taliban officials with Muttaqi.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the exclusion as “shocking and unacceptable,” asserting that women in India have the right to equal participation in every domain. He remarked, “Mr Modi, when you allow the exclusion of women journalists from a public forum, you are telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the Indian government for permitting such discrimination, especially on the eve of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Journalist Smita Sharma noted the absence of female journalists and the lack of acknowledgment regarding the dire situation of Afghan girls and women under Taliban rule in the remarks made by Jaishankar or the joint statement following the talks with Muttaqi. She expressed concern that Muttaqi was welcomed in a country that prides itself on women leaders and achievers. Journalist Suhasini Haidar remarked on the absurdity of allowing the Taliban’s discriminatory practices to be showcased in India, stating, “This isn’t pragmatism, this is supplication.”