Taliban Foreign Minister’s Visit Sparks Controversy in India
October 11, 2025 | Diplomatic Affairs & Politics
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By Ananya Iyer
Diplomacy & Social Justice Desk
Reporting on South Asia, women in journalism, rights
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s New Delhi press conference triggers controversy over exclusion of women journalists.
The Indian government faced a political storm after hosting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi this week. Opposition leaders and rights activists criticized the government not only for officially engaging with the Taliban but also for the exclusion of women journalists from the press conference addressed by Muttaqi.
Multiple national media outlets reported that only male reporters were allowed in the room at the request of Taliban officials, triggering accusations of state complicity in gender discrimination. The decision drew widespread backlash from across the Indian opposition, civil society, and press freedom groups.
Multiple national media outlets reported that only male reporters were allowed in the room at the request of Taliban officials, triggering accusations of state complicity in gender discrimination. The decision drew widespread backlash from across the Indian opposition, civil society, and press freedom groups.
Opposition, Activists Slam Government
- Political backlash: Leaders from major opposition parties called the episode "an insult to Indian women" and asked why the Indian government accepted the Taliban’s discriminatory demand.
- Former minister: "Men journalists should have walked out in solidarity when their women colleagues were barred."
- Women’s rights activists staged protests outside the venue, demanding official condemnation and future safeguards.
- Government response: The Ministry of External Affairs clarified it had "no role" in determining participants and said the request came from the visiting Taliban delegation. However, critics dismissed this as inadequate.
- Social media: #WomenInJournalism and #NotInMyIndia trended nationally.
Expert Insight: "The event has reignited debate on India’s engagement with the Taliban and the need to defend freedoms for all, including women in the media."
— End of Report —
Sources:
- Hindustan Times, NDTV, The Telegraph, Economic Times, October 2025
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