In a surprising diplomatic shift, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi cancelled his scheduled visit to Agra on October 12, 2025, and instead announced a fresh press meet in New Delhi, explicitly inviting women journalists following widespread criticism over their exclusion from a previous interaction. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Taliban-led Afghan government’s engagement with Indian media and civil society, especially in light of recent Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes and evolving regional dynamics.
Muttaqi’s earlier press conference at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi sparked outrage after reports emerged that female journalists were barred from attending. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly distanced itself from the event, clarifying that it had “no involvement” in organizing the interaction. The exclusion drew sharp reactions from political leaders, media bodies, and civil rights activists, prompting the Afghan delegation to recalibrate its outreach strategy.
🧠 Key Developments in Afghan FM’s India Visit
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Agra Visit Cancelled | No official reason cited; planned Taj Mahal tour scrapped |
| Initial Press Meet | Held at Afghan Embassy, only male journalists invited |
| MEA Clarification | India not involved in organizing the event |
| Public Backlash | Politicians and media condemned exclusion of women |
| New Press Meet Announced | Scheduled in Delhi, open invitation to women journalists |
The revised press meet is seen as an attempt to restore diplomatic credibility and address concerns over gender discrimination.
📊 Timeline of Events: Muttaqi’s India Engagement
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | Afghan FM arrives in Delhi, meets EAM S. Jaishankar |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Controversial press meet held at Afghan Embassy |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Agra visit cancelled, new press meet announced |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Women journalists invited to attend revised briefing |
Muttaqi’s visit coincides with India’s cautious diplomatic re-engagement with Afghanistan, focusing on humanitarian aid and regional security.
🗣️ Reactions from Political and Media Circles
- Mahua Moitra (TMC): “An insult to women journalists. How dare you?”
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena): “This exclusion reflects Taliban’s mindset.”
- Press Club of India: “Unacceptable. Media freedom must be upheld.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Indian Politicians | Strong condemnation of gender bias |
| Media Associations | Called for boycott of discriminatory events |
| Afghan Delegation | Issued revised invite to women journalists |
| MEA Officials | Maintained diplomatic neutrality |
The incident has reignited debates on India’s engagement with Taliban officials and the ethical boundaries of diplomatic protocol.
🧾 Diplomatic Context and Strategic Implications
| Dimension | Analysis Summary |
|---|---|
| India-Afghanistan Ties | Focused on humanitarian aid, security cooperation |
| Taliban’s Global Image | Struggling to gain legitimacy, facing criticism |
| Media Diplomacy | Press interactions seen as soft power tools |
| Gender Sensitivity | Key test for Taliban’s evolving outreach |
The revised press meet is expected to include questions on women’s rights, education, and press freedom under Taliban rule.
🧭 What to Expect from the New Press Meet
- Venue: Likely at Afghan Embassy or neutral location in Delhi
- Participants: Women journalists from national and international media
- Topics: Afghanistan’s internal stability, India ties, regional security
- Tone: Diplomatic, damage-control oriented, inclusive messaging
Observers believe the event will be closely watched for symbolic gestures and policy signals from the Afghan side.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified diplomatic statements, media reports, and public reactions as of October 13, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute foreign policy endorsement, political opinion, or diplomatic advice and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
