Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi Clarifies No Intent to Exclude Women Journalists During Press Interaction in New Delhi

New Delhi, October 12, 2025: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed the controversy over the absence of women journalists at his media interaction on Friday, saying the exclusion was unintentional and the result of technical issues. Speaking at a second press conference in New Delhi attended by several women journalists, Muttaqi emphasized that there was no deliberate attempt to violate anyone’s rights.

“Regarding the previous press conference, it was organized on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalized. It was more of a technical issue,” Muttaqi explained. “Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention.” He stressed that both men and women should have their rights respected.

The initial absence of women journalists had drawn criticism from India’s opposition parties and press bodies, with leaders calling it “unacceptable” and “an insult to women.” The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had no role in the interaction.

At the briefing, Muttaqi also addressed the display of flags at the Afghan embassy. A large Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan flag was placed behind his chair while a smaller one was in front. He asserted that the mission belonged to his government, saying, “This is our flag. This is 100 per cent our embassy. All those working here are with us.”

Muttaqi reiterated outcomes from his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, including increased flights between Kabul and Delhi and agreements on trade and economic cooperation. He also invited Indian businesses to invest in sectors such as minerals, energy, and agriculture and requested the opening of the Wagah border to facilitate faster trade between India and Afghanistan.

The Afghan Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a six-day visit, becoming the first senior Taliban minister to visit India since the group took power four years ago. India has not yet recognized the Taliban government.