Indian politicians and journalist organizations are speaking out after female journalists were excluded from a Taliban-led press conference at the Afghan embassy in Delhi.
The incident, which saw only male reporters allowed inside, prompted a wave of criticism and renewed calls for gender equity in diplomatic events.
Reports from the scene confirmed that women and foreign media were turned away, despite Taliban officials denying any exclusion.
The event’s organization and the silence from the Indian government stoked debate on accountability and broader implications for press freedom.
Why Were Female Journalists Excluded At The Embassy?
The men-only press interaction took place during a visit to Delhi by Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Journalists observed that approximately sixteen male reporters were invited, while female journalists and several foreign outlets were denied entry.
Taliban officials explained the exclusion as the result of poor coordination and promised future invitations, but some sources admitted the move was intentional.
Attendees reported that the event lacked transparency in selection criteria, and some diplomats expressed concern over the sidelining of women in a high-profile forum.
This episode highlighted ongoing tensions between Taliban practices and expectations for inclusivity in India.
Did you know?
Before the Taliban's takeover in 2021, India was the largest regional provider of development and humanitarian aid to the then-Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, committing over $2 billion in assistance.
What Was The Indian Government’s Role In The Event?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) distanced itself, stating it had no involvement in organizing or coordinating the press event at the Afghan embassy.
Official sources stated that the gathering was independently managed by the Afghan delegation, despite taking place on Indian soil and featuring the attendance of Indian officials and media.
Opposition leaders and journalist groups questioned why the government did not intervene.
They called for greater oversight and insisted that diplomatic activities in India reflect basic principles of gender equity and press freedom.
How Did Politicians And the Media Respond To The Incident?
Political figures reacted swiftly, denouncing the exclusion and calling for accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s inaction, saying it sends a message to Indian women about their strength and rights.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded clarity on the government’s position regarding the exclusion.
Social media saw vocal condemnation from journalists and the Editors Guild of India. Many said male attendees should have walked out in solidarity with their female colleagues.
Politician Mahua Moitra described the participation of male journalists as disappointing and called it a national shame.
ALSO READ | What Are the New H1B Visa Restrictions Under Trump’s Plan?
What Do Rights Groups Say About Gender Bias?
The Editors Guild of India released a strong statement denouncing the incident as deeply troubling. They called on the government to publicly reaffirm its dedication to gender equity at all diplomatic events and insisted that such practices were unacceptable on Indian soil.
Other media watchdogs echoed these sentiments, calling for systematic reforms. Advocates for gender inclusion pointed out that the exclusion reflects broader issues faced by female journalists worldwide.
The incident drew renewed attention to the challenges women face in newsrooms and international diplomacy, underscoring the need for meaningful policy changes.
Will Future Press Events Change Their Policies?
Afghan officials suggested that female journalists might be invited to subsequent events, should they take place in Delhi. However, many Indian commentators remain skeptical, stressing that clear guidelines for inclusion and fair access need to be established ahead of future conferences.
As Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi continues high-level talks and India reopens its embassy in Kabul, the fallout from this episode may shape future standards for diplomatic events.
Politicians and journalist groups say the public must stay vigilant in demanding equal press access for all.
Looking ahead, the controversy is likely to spark discussions on gender equity in Indian media and diplomatic policy, with broader implications for international relations and press freedoms.
The debate may also catalyze long-overdue reforms to ensure respectful inclusion and fair representation at significant events.
Comments (0)
Please sign in to leave a comment