“We Have No Role”: MEA Clarifies on Ban of Women Journalists at Afghan Foreign Minister’s Press Conference

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the Indian government had no involvement in the press conference held by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, where women journalists were barred from attending. The event, hosted at the Afghan Embassy, sparked nationwide criticism and political debate.

A Ministry statement said, “The Ministry of External Affairs had no participation in the press conference organized by the Afghan Foreign Minister in Delhi.” The press conference was held following bilateral talks between MEA Chief S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Muttaqi. Only male journalists and Afghan embassy officials were allowed to attend the session.

The exclusion of women journalists drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the incident, calling it an insult to Indian women journalists. She demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify India’s stance and questioned how discriminatory practices were permitted on Indian soil if the government genuinely supports women’s rights.

Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram also expressed outrage, suggesting male journalists should have walked out in solidarity with their female colleagues. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram termed the exclusion “completely absurd” and criticized it as an acceptance of the Taliban’s discriminatory mindset, stating that the MEA must issue a clear explanation.

Political analysts note that the controversy not only raises questions about freedom of expression and gender equality in India, but also highlights how symbolic events in international diplomacy can become sensitive issues. So far, the Afghan Embassy and Minister Muttaqi have not issued any formal response.