Row Over Exclusion of Women Journalists at Taliban Minister’s Press Conference in New Delhi

Context:

• A controversy erupted after a press conference addressed by the Taliban Foreign Minister in New Delhi barred women journalists, triggering strong reactions from media bodies, opposition parties, and rights advocates.

• The incident has raised serious questions about gender equality, press freedom, and India’s diplomatic responsibilities amid its cautious engagement with the Taliban regime.

Key Highlights:

The Incident

• The press conference, held at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, was declared a “men-only” event.

• Women journalists were excluded from the invite list, with participation limited to a small group of male reporters selected by Taliban officials.

• The conference was addressed by Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on an official visit to India.

Government’s Position

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that:

  • It had no role in organising the press conference.

  • The event was entirely managed by Taliban representatives.

• The clarification, however, did not quell criticism regarding India’s response as the host country.

Political Reactions

• Opposition leaders criticised the government for not publicly condemning the gender-based exclusion.

• Rahul Gandhi termed the silence as contrary to India’s democratic and constitutional values.

• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the move as “shocking and unacceptable”, calling it an insult to India’s commitment to gender equality.

Media and Civil Society Response

• The Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) strongly condemned the exclusion.

• Key objections raised:

  • Violation of freedom of the press.

  • Gender discrimination, contrary to Article 14 (Right to Equality).

  • Diplomatic privileges cannot justify discriminatory practices on Indian soil.

• The IWPC urged the government to ensure non-repetition of such incidents.

Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions

• Critics cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, noting that:

  • While it grants privileges and immunities to diplomats,

  • It does not permit actions violating equality, public order, or fundamental norms of the host country.

• The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of India’s measured engagement with the Taliban, focused on:

  • Regional security

  • Humanitarian assistance

  • Diplomatic channels through External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Broader Significance

• Highlights the tension between:

  • Realpolitik and strategic engagement, and

  • Normative commitments to human rights and gender equality.

• Raises concerns over the normalisation of Taliban practices in international diplomacy.

• Reinforces the need for clear diplomatic red lines when events occur on Indian territory.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 2 – International Relations

  • Prelims:

    • Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Taliban regime.

  • Mains:

    • Balancing strategic interests with human rights in foreign policy.

    • Challenges in engaging non-recognised or controversial regimes.

• GS Paper 2 – Social Justice

  • Prelims:

    • Gender equality, women’s rights.

  • Mains:

    • Gender discrimination in public spaces and institutional responses.

• GS Paper 2 – Polity

  • Prelims:

    • Article 14, freedom of press.

  • Mains:

    • Constitutional values in diplomacy and governance.