“No involvement”: MEA clarifies over exclusion of women journalists from Afghan FM Muttaqi’s presser

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it had no involvement in the press interaction held by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, which has sparked controversy over reports that women journalists were allegedly barred from attending, reports 24brussels.

The MEA stated, “MEA had no involvement in the press interaction held yesterday by the Afghan FM in Delhi.” This statement followed the press conference organized at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi after bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Muttaqi.

Criticism mounted after women journalists claimed they were denied entry to the event. During the conference, Muttaqi discussed regional topics, including India–Afghanistan relations, humanitarian assistance, trade routes, and security cooperation. Attendance was limited to selected male journalists and Afghan embassy officials.

The exclusion triggered political outrage across India. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his stance, deeming the incident “an insult to India’s women journalists.” In her post on X, she stated, “If your recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other, then how has this insult to some of India’s most competent women been allowed in our country, a country whose women are its backbone and its pride.”

Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram expressed his disbelief, suggesting that male journalists should have walked out in solidarity with their female counterparts. He remarked on X, “I am shocked that women journalists were excluded from the press conference addressed by Mr. Amir Khan Muttaqi.”

Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram criticized the government’s actions, calling the exclusion “outright ridiculous.” He acknowledged the geopolitical pressures to engage with the Taliban but condemned the acceptance of discriminatory practices, stating, “It’s very disappointing to note the conduct of the Ministry of External Affairs and S. Jaishankar in excluding women journalists from the press briefing of the Taliban Minister.”

In contrast, during his meeting with Muttaqi, S. Jaishankar announced the intention to upgrade India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India. He affirmed India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stating, “To enhance that, I am pleased to announce today the upgrading of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of Embassy of India.”

Muttaqi’s visit, which began on October 9 and will last until October 16, marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to India since the Taliban took power in August 2021. The MEA has reiterated its lack of involvement in organizing or managing the Afghan Embassy’s press interaction, distancing itself from the controversy regarding the exclusion of women journalists.