New Delhi, Oct 12: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday sought to calm criticism over the absence of women journalists at his earlier media event, saying there was “no intention” to exclude anyone. Speaking at his second press conference in New Delhi within three days — this time attended by several women reporters — Muttaqi described the controversy as a “technical issue.”
“With regards to the press conference, it was organised on short notice. A small list of journalists was finalised. It was more of a technical issue,” he told reporters. “Our colleagues had decided to send invitations to specific journalists and there was no other intention. No one’s rights should be violated — be it men or women.”
The clarification followed sharp backlash from opposition leaders, women’s groups, and journalist associations who called the earlier incident “unacceptable” and “an insult to women.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified it had no involvement in the Afghan embassy’s media arrangements.
At Sunday’s event, a large flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the name used by the Taliban government — was placed behind Muttaqi’s chair, with a smaller one in front. Asked whether the Afghan embassy in New Delhi represented the Taliban administration, given India has not recognised it, Muttaqi said, “This is our flag. This is 100 per cent our embassy. All those working here are with us.”
On Friday, an Afghan youth at the embassy had objected to the flag display during Muttaqi’s earlier media interaction, noting that the main flagpole still flies the Afghan Republic’s banner.
Reiterating his meeting outcomes with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muttaqi said India had agreed to increase flights between Kabul and Delhi and expand trade and economic cooperation. “We have invited Indian business groups to invest in minerals, energy, and agriculture,” he said, adding that Afghanistan has requested the opening of the Wagah border route for faster trade access.
Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a six-day visit — the first by a senior Taliban minister since the group took power in 2021. Though India has yet to recognise the Taliban government, officials have maintained limited engagement focusing on humanitarian and trade interests.
