Women Journalists Barred from Taliban Press Conference in New Delhi, Sparking Condemnation
A press conference held by Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday, October 10, 2025, has ignited a wave of criticism after women journalists were barred from attending. The incident, which occurred at the Afghan embassy following Muttaqi's meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, is being widely condemned as a reflection of the Taliban's misogynistic policies and a concerning disregard for gender equality.
Reports indicate that invitations were extended to approximately 17 media outlets, but only male journalists were permitted to attend. Several women journalists, including senior correspondents from prominent news channels and reporters from various publications, were turned away. Some female journalists waited outside the embassy gates but were denied entry.
The exclusion of women journalists has triggered strong reactions from the media community and social media users. Many have questioned how such blatant discrimination could be allowed on Indian soil, given India's commitment to democratic values and gender equality. Critics argue that the incident undermines India's stance on women's rights and sends a troubling message about the country's engagement with the Taliban regime.
Several journalists have taken to social media to voice their concerns. Author and journalist Nayanima Basu questioned, "Right under the Indian government's nose, in the heart of the capital city, the Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi holds a press conference, intentionally excluding any female journalists. How can this be allowed? Who approved such an outrageous disregard for representation?". Suhasini Haidar of The Hindu, described the situation as the Taliban being "allowed to bring their abhorrent and illegal discrimination against women to India, as the government hosts the Taliban delegation with full official protocol". Alishan Jafri quipped, "Apparently, Indian women journalists cannot attend a presser [in India] because the Taliban likes it that way".
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan. Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including limiting access to education, employment, and public life. The United Nations has repeatedly condemned these policies, warning of widespread and systematic oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the final decision regarding media participation was made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi, despite Indian authorities suggesting that the invitation should be broad-based and inclusive of women journalists. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet issued an official response, officials claimed that the Indian side was not consulted and could not intervene as the press conference was held within the Afghan embassy.
The exclusion of women journalists from the press conference has cast a shadow over India's efforts to re-establish diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. During the visit, India announced that it would reopen its embassy in Kabul. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed India's commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. However, critics argue that engaging with the Taliban without addressing their human rights record, particularly their treatment of women, is a compromise of India's values.
The incident marks a concerning precedent, believed to be the first instance of women reporters being actively barred from covering a foreign government's event in India. It raises questions about the extent to which India is willing to accommodate the Taliban's discriminatory practices in the pursuit of diplomatic engagement.
