New Delhi: Women reporters were notably absent from Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s press interaction at the Afghan embassy on Friday, attended by fewer than 20 journalists. According to sources, the final decision on attendees was made by Taliban officials accompanying Muttaqi, despite Indian authorities suggesting broader participation that included female journalists.
Excluding women from official media events is uncommon in New Delhi’s diplomatic circles, and it remains unclear whether the Taliban had formally informed India of their stance. The absence aligns with the Taliban’s restrictive policies towards women, which the UN says have dismantled rights established by previous elected governments, barring many women from work, education, and public services without a male guardian.
Muttaqi, the first senior Taliban official to visit India, responded to concerns over women’s rights by claiming that under Taliban rule since August 15, 2021, Afghanistan has seen peace, stability, and respect for local laws and customs. Speaking in Urdu, he insisted people are content with the administration, citing an end to Afghan daily casualties of 200–400 before Taliban rule.
The press meet’s arrangements underscored India’s cautious engagement with the Taliban. No national flags were displayed in the backdrop, and only a small Taliban flag was placed in front of Muttaqi once he was seated. This mirrored the low-profile optics of his earlier meeting with India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.
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