Outrage Over Exclusion of Female Journalists from Taliban Press Conference in India

On October 10, 2025, a press conference held by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi sparked significant controversy after female journalists were reportedly barred from attending. Despite having official invitations and adhering to the required dress code, women journalists were denied entry, leading to widespread condemnation from political leaders and media professionals in India. The event was attended exclusively by male reporters, raising questions about gender equality and the Indian government's stance on women's rights.

No Women Allowed: Centre Distances Itself From Taliban Press RowIndia clarifies that the press conference inside Afghanistan embassy was not their event, and they had nothing to do with itOnmanoramaBBC NewsMEA Clarifies Non-Involvement in Afghan FM’s Delhi Press Meet that Excluded Women JournalistsIndia's MEA Distances Self from Afghan FM's Presser Barring Female JournalistsTaliban’s rules, Delhi’s compliance: India silences women journalists for Afghan FMTaliban Bar Female Journalists from Muttaqi Press Event in New Delhi, Sparking Outrage – KabulNowIndia says it had ‘no involvement’ as row erupts over Taliban minister’s ‘ban’ on female journalists at press eventThe Hindu

The exclusion of female journalists prompted immediate backlash from opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "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." He accused the government of failing to uphold its commitments to women's empowerment, or "Nari Shakti." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed these sentiments, demanding clarity from Modi on how such an "insult to some of India’s most competent women" could occur on Indian soil. Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram expressed shock at the incident, suggesting that male journalists should have walked out in protest.

The HinduThe HinduTaliban Bar Female Journalists from Muttaqi Press Event in New Delhi, Sparking Outrage – KabulNowMEA Denies Role in Exclusion of Women Journalists from Afghanistan Press Meet in New Delhi Amid BacklashNo Women Allowed: Centre Distances Itself From Taliban Press RowBBC NewsTaliban’s rules, Delhi’s compliance: India silences women journalists for Afghan FMOnmanoramaIndia's MEA Distances Self from Afghan FM's Presser Barring Female JournalistsMEA Clarifies Non-Involvement in Afghan FM’s Delhi Press Meet that Excluded Women Journalists

In response to the uproar, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no role in organizing the press conference, asserting that the Afghan Embassy operates independently of Indian jurisdiction. The MEA stated, "We had no role to play in this press conference," emphasizing that the event was managed by Afghan officials. However, reports indicated that Indian officials had suggested including women journalists, but the final decision rested with the Taliban delegation.

India says it had ‘no involvement’ as row erupts over Taliban minister’s ‘ban’ on female journalists at press eventMEA Clarifies Non-Involvement in Afghan FM’s Delhi Press Meet that Excluded Women JournalistsIndia clarifies that the press conference inside Afghanistan embassy was not their event, and they had nothing to do with itOnmanoramaIndia's MEA Distances Self from Afghan FM's Presser Barring Female JournalistsMEA Denies Role in Exclusion of Women Journalists from Afghanistan Press Meet in New Delhi Amid BacklashNo Women Allowed: Centre Distances Itself From Taliban Press RowTaliban Bar Female Journalists from Muttaqi Press Event in New Delhi, Sparking Outrage – KabulNowBBC NewsTaliban’s rules, Delhi’s compliance: India silences women journalists for Afghan FM

The incident has raised concerns about India's diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, a regime known for imposing severe restrictions on women's rights since regaining power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Critics argue that allowing such an event on Indian soil sends a troubling message about India's commitment to gender equality and press freedom. The Taliban's policies have been widely condemned, with rights groups labeling their actions as a form of gender apartheid.

India clarifies that the press conference inside Afghanistan embassy was not their event, and they had nothing to do with it

• “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.” — Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition

No Women Allowed: Centre Distances Itself From Taliban Press Row

• “this insult to some of India's most competent women” — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress Leader

BBC News

• “I was shocked that women journalists were barred from the press conference by Mr.” — P. Chidambaram, Former Union Minister

Taliban Bar Female Journalists from Muttaqi Press Event in New Delhi, Sparking Outrage – KabulNow

• “They are guests of the Indian government, yet the Afghan Foreign Minister is allowed to impose his misogynistic policies here. The Taliban have brought their discrimination to India. This is not realism—it’s surrender.” — Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Editor, The Hindu

Taliban’s rules, Delhi’s compliance: India silences women journalists for Afghan FM

The controversy surrounding the exclusion of female journalists from the press conference has ignited a broader debate about India's diplomatic conduct and its commitment to gender equality. As the MEA distanced itself from the incident, calls for accountability and clearer policies governing foreign diplomatic engagements within India have intensified. Observers argue that such guidelines are essential to ensure that India's constitutional values of equality and freedom of expression are upheld in all diplomatic interactions.

MEA Clarifies Non-Involvement in Afghan FM’s Delhi Press Meet that Excluded Women JournalistsNo Women Allowed: Centre Distances Itself From Taliban Press RowMEA Denies Role in Exclusion of Women Journalists from Afghanistan Press Meet in New Delhi Amid BacklashTaliban Bar Female Journalists from Muttaqi Press Event in New Delhi, Sparking Outrage – KabulNowBBC NewsOnmanoramaThe HinduTaliban’s rules, Delhi’s compliance: India silences women journalists for Afghan FM