New Delhi –  Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a press conference on October 10 in New Delhi, India, during his official visit from October 9 to 16. The briefing, held after his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, barred women journalists from attending, prompting criticism across Indian media and civil society.

According to local media reports, Taliban officials denied entry to female journalists moments before the briefing began. The exclusion, carried out during an event facilitated by Indian authorities, was seen as contrary to India’s constitutional principles of gender equality and press freedom.

The incident has placed the Indian government in an awkward position, as it has consistently projected itself as a global advocate for women’s empowerment under the Nari Shakti (women’s power) campaign.

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Media Reaction and Public Backlash

The move sparked strong responses from journalists and commentators across India. Senior journalist Smita Sharma called the incident “a setback for India’s democratic values,” while The Hindu’s Suhasini Haidar questioned the government’s silence over “an event that violated both press freedom and gender rights.”

Poulomi Saha of India Today described it as “a worrying precedent,” saying that allowing Taliban representatives to enforce discriminatory rules in India undermined the principles of an open and equal media environment.

Women’s rights advocates also expressed concern that India’s diplomatic outreach to the Taliban was taking precedence over its stated commitment to human rights. “It reflects a shift toward political pragmatism at the cost of principle,” said a Delhi-based activist.

Diplomatic Silence and Contradictions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not issue any statement addressing the exclusion of women journalists. Official summaries of the visit primarily focused on regional security and trade discussions, without mentioning gender or media issues.

Analysts note that the omission reflects New Delhi’s cautious approach toward the Taliban, driven by security considerations and its desire to maintain a diplomatic channel with Kabul.

“India has long supported women’s participation in public life,” said a South Asia policy researcher. “But hosting a delegation known for suppressing women’s rights, without any public objection, sends conflicting signals about India’s foreign policy priorities.”

Implications for India’s Image

For many Afghan women journalists and activists, the episode was a stark reminder of the Taliban’s enduring exclusionary practices, and of the international community’s selective response. Some critics argue that by providing official recognition to a delegation enforcing gender discrimination, India risked legitimising practices that contradict its democratic ethos.

“The optics of the visit were damaging,” said an Afghan journalist in exile. “It was painful to see the same Taliban officials who silenced women in Kabul do the same in New Delhi.”

The controversy has reignited debate over the ethical direction of India’s foreign policy, particularly its balancing act between realpolitik and democratic ideals.

While New Delhi frames its engagement with the Taliban as a pragmatic regional necessity, the decision to remain silent over gender exclusion has drawn attention to the growing gap between its rhetoric and practice.