### Context and Background
In a recent diplomatic episode in New Delhi, the presence—or absence—of women at press events hosted by the Afghan Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has ignited significant controversy and debate over gender rights, diplomatic protocols, and India’s own responsibilities as a host nation. The events unfolded over a series of press conferences during Muttaqi’s week-long visit to India, a trip marked by its own diplomatic importance as the Taliban seeks greater international legitimacy.
### The Incident: Exclusion of Women at the First Press Conference
On Friday, at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, Muttaqi held his first press conference of the visit. Notably, of the approximately 16 journalists allowed entry, all were men. Female journalists were reportedly turned away at the embassy gates, with embassy sources later confirming that women had not been invited. This exclusion quickly became the center of public outrage and debate. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) distanced itself, stating it had no involvement in the press interaction, as the event was hosted on Afghan diplomatic premises.
However, this explanation did little to quell the anger among Indian politicians, journalists, and civil society. Critics argued that, regardless of the event’s location, such blatant gender discrimination should not be tolerated on Indian soil. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was among those who condemned the government’s perceived passivity, arguing that it sent a message of weakness to Indian women. Media organizations, including the Editors Guild of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, and the Network of Women in Media, India, issued strong condemnations, calling the exclusion “highly discriminatory” and “deeply troubling.” They asserted that even if diplomatic premises are protected under the Vienna Convention, this does not justify discrimination against women, especially in press access.
### The Taliban’s Response and the Second Press Conference
In response to the backlash, the Afghan embassy quickly organized a second press conference on Sunday, this time explicitly inviting all media representatives, including female journalists. Photos of female reporters seated in the front row at this event were widely published in Indian newspapers, symbolizing both resistance to the initial exclusion and a form of progress, however limited.
At this second event, Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the controversy directly. He claimed the absence of women at the first press conference was not intentional, but rather the result of a “technical issue” and a “short list” of invitees that was decided on short notice. He denied any deliberate motive, suggesting that the exclusion was not a reflection of Taliban policy, at least in this instance.
### The Broader Context: Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
The controversy in Delhi cannot be separated from the broader situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has resulted in sweeping and severe restrictions on women’s rights. The United Nations has described the situation as “gender apartheid.” Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghan women and girls have faced some of the most extreme forms of gender discrimination in the world. They are banned from attending secondary schools and universities, prohibited from visiting parks and gyms, and the jobs available to them are increasingly limited. The government enforces strict dress codes and limits their ability to travel.
The Taliban have insisted that they respect women’s rights “in accordance with their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law,” but these assurances have been widely dismissed by the international community. Western diplomats have repeatedly stated that the Taliban’s restrictions on women are a primary obstacle to their government being recognized internationally. To date, Russia is the only country to fully recognize the Taliban government, while other nations, including India, maintain limited or informal diplomatic relations.
### India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Muttaqi’s visit to India was itself a significant development. It marked an effort by both sides to strengthen ties—India, for its part, is interested in maintaining influence and advancing strategic and security interests in Afghanistan and the broader region. The Taliban, meanwhile, are eager to bolster their legitimacy and gain more international recognition. During the visit, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced plans to reopen India’s embassy in Kabul, which had been closed after the Taliban’s return to power—a move seen as a tentative step toward normalization.
Yet, the diplomatic tightrope India must walk was laid bare by the gender discrimination incident. While Delhi has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, it has maintained humanitarian aid and a diplomatic mission in Kabul. The uproar over the exclusion of women reporters placed the Indian