New Delhi, October 11, 2025 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday firmly distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press interaction in New Delhi, emphasizing that it had “no involvement” in organizing or managing the event, where women journalists were reportedly barred from attending. The clarification came amid widespread outrage from opposition leaders and journalists, who criticized the incident as a reflection of the Taliban’s gender restrictions playing out on Indian soil.

The Incident and Backlash:

The press conference, held on Friday at the Afghanistan Embassy following bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Muttaqi, drew sharp criticism after female journalists were allegedly denied entry by embassy security. Only select male journalists and Afghan embassy officials were permitted to attend, with Muttaqi addressing topics like bilateral relations, humanitarian aid, trade routes, and regional security. No joint briefing was conducted after the official meeting, and the Afghan side managed the media interaction independently.Also Read: Arattai vs WhatsApp: India’s Homegrown Messaging App Sparks a Digital Sovereignty Debate

The exclusion sparked a firestorm on social media and from political figures. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of weakness, 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. In our country, women have the right to equal participation in every space. Your silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the emptiness of your slogans on Nari Shakti.”PALAY® Straw Hat Sun Hats for Women,Wide Brim Cap Beach Hat for Women Stylish UV Protection Cap,Summer Packable Travel Sun Visor Hat - UPF 50+

Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram expressed shock, suggesting male journalists should have walked out in solidarity: “I am shocked that women journalists were excluded... In my personal view, the men journalists should have walked out when they found that their women colleagues were excluded (or not invited).”

MEA’s Response and Diplomatic Context:

In a statement to ANI, the MEA reiterated: “MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi.” Officials noted that invitations were extended by Afghanistan’s Consul General in Mumbai to select Delhi-based journalists, and the Indian government has no jurisdiction over embassy premises. Reports indicated that the Indian side had suggested including women reporters, but this recommendation was not accepted by the Afghan hosts.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of Muttaqi’s five-day visit (October 9–16), the first by a Taliban foreign minister since the group’s 2021 takeover. During Friday’s meeting, Jaishankar announced India’s decision to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling a step toward normalizing ties while reaffirming commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.