Taliban Press Conference: India Distances Itself from Female Journalist Ban

Amidst an international outcry, India has officially distanced itself from the decision to bar female journalists from a Taliban press conference in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified on Friday that it “had no role or involvement” in the arrangements for the media event featuring Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. The press conference, which followed bilateral discussions between Muttaqi and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Afghan Embassy, faced widespread condemnation after it became apparent that only male reporters were permitted to attend. This incident occurred during Muttaqi’s inaugural visit to India as a Taliban minister since the group seized control of Afghanistan in 2021. Although the diplomatic talks addressed crucial bilateral matters including trade, humanitarian assistance, and security cooperation, the exclusionary nature of the press briefing dominated media coverage. Sources indicate that the Taliban delegation unilaterally decided on media invitations, reportedly bypassing suggestions from the Indian side to ensure female journalists could participate. When pressed on the issue of women’s rights in Afghanistan, Muttaqi cited the distinct customs and laws of different nations and claimed improvements in the country’s security. The ban highlights the ongoing global concerns surrounding the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women and girls, which have severely impacted education and employment opportunities since their August 2021 takeover.