A press conference held by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday, October 10, 2025, sparked controversy due to the exclusion of women journalists. The event, which took place at the Afghan embassy following discussions between Muttaqi and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, saw only male reporters in attendance.
Reports indicate that the decision to exclude women was made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi, despite suggestions from the Indian side to include female journalists. Sources familiar with the matter stated that the Indian delegation had advised that the invitation list be broad and inclusive of women reporters.
The exclusion has been widely condemned as a reflection of the Taliban's misogynistic policies and a disregard for gender equality. Critics have also questioned the Indian government for allowing such discrimination to occur on its soil. Some journalists and social media users suggested that male journalists should have boycotted the event in protest.
Several journalists have voiced their concerns and criticisms on social media. Nayanima Basu, a journalist and author, questioned how the exclusion was allowed to happen "right under the Indian government's nose". Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu described it as an "abhorrent and illegal discrimination against women" being brought to India. Geeta Mohan, a journalist with India Today, simply stated the situation as "unacceptable".
The Taliban's stance on women's rights has been a subject of international scrutiny and condemnation. Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women's education, employment, and public life. These restrictions have been criticized by various countries and global bodies like the United Nations.
During the press conference, Muttaqi avoided directly addressing questions about the plight of women in Afghanistan. Instead, he stated that every country has its own customs and laws that should be respected. He also claimed that the overall situation in Afghanistan has improved significantly since the Taliban's return to power, citing a reduction in daily fatalities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet responded to the incident. However, officials claimed that the Indian side was not consulted on the invitee list and could not intervene as the press conference was held inside the Afghan embassy.
This incident is believed to be the first instance of women reporters being actively barred from covering a foreign government's event in India. While other countries may have certain requirements for women, such as Iran's requirement for women to cover their hair, their embassies in Delhi have not imposed similar restrictions during press interactions.
The exclusion of women journalists from Muttaqi's press conference has raised concerns about the state of press freedom and gender equality in international relations with Afghanistan under Taliban rule. It also overshadowed India's announcement that it would reopen its embassy in Afghanistan.
