By: The Trek News Desk
A major political controversy erupted in India following a press conference held in New Delhi by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, where no women journalists were allowed to attend. The exclusion sparked widespread outrage, forcing India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to publicly clarify that it had no role in organizing or facilitating the event.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the MEA said, “The Government of India had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan Foreign Minister in Delhi.” The statement came after visuals emerged showing only male journalists present as Muttaqi addressed the media, while several women reporters were reportedly denied entry.
Political Backlash Over Gender Discrimination
The incident quickly turned into a political flashpoint, with several opposition leaders slamming the central government for what they called “silent complicity” in allowing a discriminatory event on Indian soil.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “When you allow women journalists to be excluded from a public platform, you’re telling every woman in India that you’re too weak to stand up for their rights.”
He further added that the government’s silence highlighted the emptiness behind slogans like ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment), and questioned India’s commitment to gender equality.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in, demanding clarity from the Prime Minister. “How was such an insult to some of India’s most capable women allowed to happen here? Indian women are the backbone and pride of this nation,” she said.
Strong Words from TMC and Senior Leaders
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra didn’t mince her words, calling the incident “a national disgrace.”
“The government has insulted every Indian woman by allowing a Taliban minister to conduct a press conference that excluded women journalists. This is spineless and hypocritical,” she said.
Former Union Minister P. Chidambaram also condemned the event and urged male journalists to take a stand against it. “I’m shocked. In my view, male journalists present should have walked out in solidarity with their excluded colleagues,” he remarked.
Diplomatic Angle: Muttaqi’s Visit and India’s Engagement
Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit marks a significant development in India-Taliban ties. This is the first visit by a Taliban-appointed foreign minister to India since the group took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
On Friday, the Indian government announced it would upgrade its “technical mission” in Kabul to the level of a full-fledged embassy, signalling a potential thaw in relations. In response, Muttaqi said Afghanistan would send diplomats to India, hinting at a step-by-step normalization of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Source: News Agencies
